Test B: Air Bag Warning Light Inoperative (DTC B1869): Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Excursion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
AIR BAG warning light is designed to illuminate for 6 seconds when ignition switch is turned to RUN position. The initial 6-second illumination is normal and is call prove-out. The AIR BAG warning light is then used to warn vehicle operator that there is a fault in the air bag system.
Restraint Control Module (RCM) monitors AIR BAG warning light for open and short to ground conditions. If RCM detects an open or short to ground in AIR BAG warning light circuit, it will store Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 1869 in memory. If RCM detects AIR BAG warning light failure in addition to another air bag system failure, it will send a signal to the instrument cluster to produce 5 sets of 5 tone bursts.