2008 Audi RS 4 OBD2 Code B1944 Airbag Crash Sensor #1 Ground Circuit Open

B1944 code definition

A B1944 code means that your 2008 Audi RS 4 's onboard diagnostic system has detected a discrepancy in the airbag circuit that is consistent with a poor ground on the #1 sensor, and has registered a trouble code.

What the B1944 code means

Airbag systems are designed to perform self-diagnostics. In the event of a B1944 code, voltages are off spec and indicate a poor ground in the system, registering a trouble code as part of the self-diagnostic process.

What causes the B1944 code?

• Open ground circuit in #1 crash sensor

What are the symptoms of the B1944 code?

• Flashing or illuminated airbag lamp on dash

How does a mechanic diagnose the B1943 code?

• Using a good quality code reader/scanner, check for any airbag-related trouble codes. B1942. B1941, B1943 and B1945 may accompany this trouble code.
• A factory wiring diagram will also be necessary for this diagnosis and repair.
• With the ignition in ON position and headlamp switch OFF, connect the scanner and check for trouble codes.
• Locate left front impact sensor. Check connectors, wiring and crimps for an intermittent problem. Perform a wiggle test. Check for any dirt, corrosion, damage or other physical problems with sensor, wiring, terminals and connectors.
• Disconnect air bag diagnostic monitor and check resistance on terminals. Measure resistance of Pin C2-21, Circuit 6/18 (p/lg) to ground. NOTE: disconnecting the diagnostic monitor disables the entire airbag system.
• If resistance is less than 3 ohms, remove the sensor's mounting screws. Clean the mounting surface of sensor and chassis, reinstall sensor and tighten screws to spec.
  
• If resistance is greater than 3 ohms, look for open circuit or high resistance in Circuit 618 (p/lg) and inspect all interconnections, including wire crimps.
• Measure resistance between the sensor connector's pink/orange and yellow/white wires.
• Resistance should be less than 3 ohms. Locate and repair any open circuits found in #617 or #624.
• If resistance is greater than 2 ohms, replace entire left front impact sensor.
• Clear diagnostic codes and test drive 2008 Audi RS 4 to see if codes return.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the B1944 code

As with many codes, technicians often jump ahead on a B1944 code without doing a proper process of elimination and end up replacing parts unnecessarily. A poor reference ground can lead to a false B1944 reading, prompting unnecessary repairs.

How serious is the B1944 code?

A B1944 code can result in the airbag not deploying in the event of a collision.

What repairs can fix the B1944 code?

• Replacement of left front crash sensor
• Replace/repair of wiring and connectors
• Repair of open circuit in crash sensor
• Replacement of module
• Locating and repairing short in circuit for crash sensor

Additional comments for consideration regarding the B1944 code

On many Ford 2008 Audi RS 4 s, the air bag warning light will flash to alert the driver to a problem. The light will flash an indication of the code itself. In this case, it would flash four times, followed by a pause, followed by four flashes to denote 44.

Any airbag-related work is complex and might be best left up to a professional. Accidental deployment of the airbag can result in serious injury.

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