I have a 2006 F 150 4x4. I bought about a week ago. I have an airbag code 18. Does anyone know what this means?

 

"18" is not a complete code.

Possible Airbag codes for an '06 would be:

B1869
B1870
B1884
B1890
B1891
B1892

Among others...

 

OnBelay
18 is a Light Flash Code (LFC) - yours are Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).

Vehicles Built After 10/2/2000

Pinpoint Test AJ & AK: LFC 18/DTC B1882 — Passenger Pretensioner Circuit Shorted to Battery or Ignition

Normal Operation: The restraints control module (RCM) monitors the circuit to the passenger belt and buckle assembly pretensioner. When the RCM detects a circuit short to battery or ignition it will set lamp fault code (LFC) 18 and diagnostic test code (DTC) 1882.

Possible Causes: A short to battery or ignition on the passenger belt pretensioner circuit can be caused by:
> a short to battery or ignition on circuit 1081 (YE/RD).
> a short to battery or ignition on circuit 1082 (YE/BK).
> a short to battery or ignition on the passenger belt pretensioner.
> an RCM internal concern.

The test procedure (basically) is to install an airbag simulator (1 Ohm resistor) in place of that pretensioner & see if the code is still set. If it's not, replace the pretensioner. If it is, disconnect the RCM & find the short in those 2 wires.

But considering the risk of detonating an airbag or pretensioner, you should probably take it to the dealer. Aren't you still under warranty???

 

Thanks for the information. It's still under warranty, I bought it new a week ago. I've got less then 500 miles on it.

I wanted to make sure the airbags weren't going to go off while driving down the road. Naturally the code came up on Friday after the dealerships are closed. I'm going to take it in this week.

Thanks again!

 

Modern airbag systems are failsafe. Typically, any fault disables the system from deploying under any circumstances. Check your owner's manual.

 

I know its an old thread but did you ever find out what to change to get code 18 to stop. I have the same problemand Im sure ford will want my unborn child to pay to fix it. I would love to know what to change out instead of going to them.

 

If the 2006 is the same as the 2004, and you have a New Body Style 2004 ( not a lightning or Heritage ) this shows as the PAD ( Passenger Airbag Deactivation ) warning lamp.



Have you had the center trim panel out as of late ?

 

Recall? i was told the airbag dash light comes on before the bag deploys. Like a few weeks before so you can get your vehicle to the shop before... boom...

 

No, that's ridiculous.

 

Ok so replaced the PAD. I still get the code 18 followed by 5 x 5 tones. Any suggestions?

 

If the main airbag lamp is working, there should never be any tones from the RCM. Try to find where your tones are coming from.

Fault codes don't mean to replace parts - they tell you where to BEGIN the diagnosis. If you specify what model your '04 truck is (new, heritage, or Lightning; engine; trans; trim level...), we can guide you thru some basic steps.

 

04 new body, fx4, 5.4, auto,4x4. Anything else?

 

you replaced the PAD lamp itself, but did you check to see if it the CIRCUIT had a short to the battery, or if the circuit was functioning ?

Bit confused how you are getting the LFC from the airbag light, and the indicator that the airbag lamp is non functioning at the same time.

 

Did not check for short. I'll check tomorrow.

 

Here it is a year later and Im still getting this code. I just got back from the dealer. They said it was the PAD in which I already replaced. It was going to be $165 to replace it again and then go from there to find out if anything what else was wrong. Its such a rip off for something the built so crappy to fixed!

Now im back at it again trying to fix it.