B1881
Low Severity (Level 1)Seatbelt Passenger Pretensioner Circuit Open
B1881 usually means seatbelt Passenger Pretensioner Circuit Open.
Can you still drive with B1881?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $110 – $900
Severity Level 1 — Low
This code indicates a minor issue that is unlikely to cause immediate driveability problems. You can typically continue driving but should have the vehicle inspected at your earliest convenience.
Common Symptoms
- Power seats working intermittently, then stopping completely
- Power seats not working — no response when activated
- Power seat won't move in one or more directions
- Infinite resistance in the power seat circuit — broken wire or disconnected connector
Possible Causes
- Broken wire or connector pin in the power seat system harness — common at flex points like door jambs or where wiring moves
- Disconnected or loose electrical connector — may have been bumped during other repairs
- Failed seat motor/module — internal open circuit from age, heat cycling, or vibration
- Corrosion completely severing a wire or connector terminal — green crust on copper wiring
- Wiring harness damage from rodent chewing — look for nesting material near the engine or under dash
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($8-128 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $129 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Trace the power seat system wiring from connector to connector with a multimeter set to continuity/resistance mode — find and repair the break in the circuit ($87-343 labor for diagnosis and repair)
- Check and reseat all connectors in the power seat system circuit — disconnect, inspect pins, clean with electrical contact cleaner, apply dielectric grease, and reconnect firmly ($13 DIY or $72 shop minimum)
- If seat motor/module has failed internally (open circuit inside), replace it — don't try to repair sealed components ($100-800)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B1881 mean?
B1881 stands for "Seatbelt Passenger Pretensioner Circuit Open". B1881 usually means seatbelt Passenger Pretensioner Circuit Open.
Can you drive with B1881?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1881?
Repair costs for B1881 typically range from $110 to $900, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($8-128 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $129 diagnostic fee at shop); Trace the power seat system wiring from connector to connector with a multimeter set to continuity/resistance mode — find and repair the break in the circuit ($87-343 labor for diagnosis and repair).
Will B1881 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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