SL/R230: Error code help SRS issue B1861-006
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Uk
R230 SL500
Error code help SRS issue B1861-006
Hey all,
Wonder if you can help. bought a 2003 Sl500 which now has an error code when scanning, the SRS light is on.
The error I'm getting is: B1861-006
The Coding for the ignition circuit with component R12/4(front passenger airbag ignition squib 1) is faulty OR (168/210) for coding for the ignition circuit component R12/8 (Front passenger Airbag ignition squib) is faulty
can anyone here help me diagnose this SRS issue ?
Wonder if you can help. bought a 2003 Sl500 which now has an error code when scanning, the SRS light is on.
The error I'm getting is: B1861-006
The Coding for the ignition circuit with component R12/4(front passenger airbag ignition squib 1) is faulty OR (168/210) for coding for the ignition circuit component R12/8 (Front passenger Airbag ignition squib) is faulty
can anyone here help me diagnose this SRS issue ?
Last edited by Decoy1982; Dec 21, 2022 at 10:27 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
Hi there
what diagnostic equipment are you using, can you provide more text information at all?
The clue in what you have said possibly is your squib, which is usually the electrical device that sits around the steering column, my gut experience would not be that its faulty but perhaps the plug connection to it? have you checked for any moisture or water leaks? I would start by checking the airbag plugs make sure you have the key well away from the car and disconnect the battery first. You mentioned coding the ignition circuit, it suggests the control module is also not talking to the car somehow.
what diagnostic equipment are you using, can you provide more text information at all?
The clue in what you have said possibly is your squib, which is usually the electrical device that sits around the steering column, my gut experience would not be that its faulty but perhaps the plug connection to it? have you checked for any moisture or water leaks? I would start by checking the airbag plugs make sure you have the key well away from the car and disconnect the battery first. You mentioned coding the ignition circuit, it suggests the control module is also not talking to the car somehow.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Uk
R230 SL500
Hi there
what diagnostic equipment are you using, can you provide more text information at all?
The clue in what you have said possibly is your squib, which is usually the electrical device that sits around the steering column, my gut experience would not be that its faulty but perhaps the plug connection to it? have you checked for any moisture or water leaks? I would start by checking the airbag plugs make sure you have the key well away from the car and disconnect the battery first. You mentioned coding the ignition circuit, it suggests the control module is also not talking to the car somehow.
what diagnostic equipment are you using, can you provide more text information at all?
The clue in what you have said possibly is your squib, which is usually the electrical device that sits around the steering column, my gut experience would not be that its faulty but perhaps the plug connection to it? have you checked for any moisture or water leaks? I would start by checking the airbag plugs make sure you have the key well away from the car and disconnect the battery first. You mentioned coding the ignition circuit, it suggests the control module is also not talking to the car somehow.
Im using TopDon unit at home and my indie used his own version, both got the same codes.
today I removed the seat and checked every connector just to rule that out - all are ok, with no obvious errors. same as the cables on the seat and the harness underneath, these all seem to be ok no breaks that i can see.
Ref your comment on the steering wheel airbag. would it not be the passenger side one as the code i got is (front passenger airbag ignition squib 1) .
Thank you for taking the time to help btw
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Uk
R230 SL500
Update
I have tested all to cables for the srs, including The passenger airbag squib cable which is fine, I made a 9ohm resistor to test and the airbag light went out.
I have a new passenger airbag coming next week, will hopefully fix the issue once and for all.
I have tested all to cables for the srs, including The passenger airbag squib cable which is fine, I made a 9ohm resistor to test and the airbag light went out.
I have a new passenger airbag coming next week, will hopefully fix the issue once and for all.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Uk
R230 SL500
UPDATE --- -STILL NOT FIXED 
So I have tested and cleaned all cables and connections between the passenger airbag and the SRS ECU I have replaced the passenger Airbag and yet the same issue is still present. I even tried to wedge a small plastic strip between the airbag shorting bars to be positive that this is not the issue to no avail.
Here is the frustration, IF I unplug the yellow SQUIB for the passenger airbag R12/4 the airbag light does out ! if I plug it back in I get the error code. it's like the circuit is backward?
Has anyone seen this before?
So I have tested and cleaned all cables and connections between the passenger airbag and the SRS ECU I have replaced the passenger Airbag and yet the same issue is still present. I even tried to wedge a small plastic strip between the airbag shorting bars to be positive that this is not the issue to no avail.
Here is the frustration, IF I unplug the yellow SQUIB for the passenger airbag R12/4 the airbag light does out ! if I plug it back in I get the error code. it's like the circuit is backward?
Has anyone seen this before?
