B1407 on 2020-2022 Ford Explorer: Airbag Light Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2022 Ford EXPLORER

For this specific generation of Ford Explorer and its platform mates, code B1407 is a well-documented factory issue. Unlike generic definitions that might point to various sensors, Ford has acknowledged a specific weakness in the wiring connector for the side airbags located in the front seats. The TSB states the cause is "contamination and relative movement in the connection." Forum users and mechanics note the connector is located in a vulnerable position under or behind the seat, where it can be disturbed by items stored under the seat or by passengers' feet in the second row, leading to a poor connection or broken wires. This is so common that Ford released a specific repair procedure (TSB 22-2190) to address it.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Illuminated airbag warning light on the instrument cluster

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Side Airbag Wiring Connector 🔴 High Probability Ford TSB 22-2190 and 21-2297 identify this as a known issue, stating the problem is due to "contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag." The connector's location makes it susceptible to being kicked or stressed by rear-seat passengers or items under the seat.
   How to confirm: A technician will retrieve the specific DTC B1407:13. Diagnosis involves accessing the connector (C367 for the right side, C337 for the left side) at the side airbag module within the seat back and inspecting for contamination, corrosion, or loose pins. A 'wiggle test' on the harness may cause the code to change status, confirming a connection issue.
   Typical fix: Per TSB 22-2190, the official repair is to replace the faulty vehicle-side connector with a service pigtail and replace the entire side airbag module. Simply cleaning the connector is not the recommended permanent solution, as the issue is inherent to the connector design and terminal fretting.
   Est. part cost: $250-$450

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Side Airbag Module: While the connector is the most common point of failure, the airbag module itself can fail internally. The official TSB repair includes replacing the airbag module as part of the fix for the connector issue, likely to ensure a perfect connection with the new pigtail and prevent repeat failures.
• Damaged Wiring Harness: Less commonly, the wiring leading to the airbag connector could be damaged elsewhere, such as under the seat from objects, rodents, or chafing against the seat frame. This would require visual inspection and continuity testing of the harness from the RCM to the seat.
• Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM): In very rare cases, the central RCM that monitors the airbag system could be at fault. This is typically only considered after all other possibilities, especially the TSB-documented connector issue, have been exhausted. RCM replacement is significantly more expensive.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a professional-grade scan tool capable of reading Ford-specific SRS codes (like FORScan or the dealer's IDS).
2. Retrieve DTCs from the Restraints Control Module (RCM). 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix airbag lights like a pro. Confirm if B1407:13 (passenger side) or B1404:13 (driver side) is present.
3. Depower the SRS system. The official procedure involves disconnecting the negative battery terminal and waiting at least 15-30 minutes for the backup power supply to discharge.
4. Access the affected side airbag module within the front seatback. On the Explorer and Aviator, seat removal is not required. The seat back panel is typically unzipped or unclipped to gain access.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to accessing and removing the airbag module.
5. Disconnect the harness connector (C367 for right side, C337 for left side) from the airbag module.
6. Visually inspect the connector terminals on both the harness side and the module side for any signs of corrosion, contamination, pushed-out pins, or physical damage.
7. If the vehicle falls under TSB 22-2190, proceed with the specified repair (pigtail and module replacement) without further diagnosis.
8. If the TSB is not being followed, a technician may perform resistance and continuity checks on the wiring between the RCM and the side airbag connector to rule out a harness issue elsewhere in the vehicle.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Side Airbag Connector Service Pigtail (OEM #BU2Z-14S411-BMB (supersedes BU2Z-14S411-BMA)) — This is the updated connector required by Ford's TSB 22-2190 to create a more robust connection. Note that the -BMA part number has been superseded by -BMB.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: N/A
• Left Side Airbag Module (Front Seat) (OEM #LB5Z-78611D11-B) — Ford's official repair procedure requires replacing the airbag module along with the connector to ensure system integrity and prevent a repeat failure.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $200-$350
  Aftermarket price range: N/A
• Right Side Airbag Module (Front Seat) (OEM #LB5Z-78611D10-B) — Ford's official repair procedure requires replacing the airbag module along with the connector to ensure system integrity and prevent a repeat failure.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $200-$350
  Aftermarket price range: N/A

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1404:13 — This code is for the opposite side airbag circuit (typically driver's side). Both TSBs 22-2190 and 21-2297 mention that B1404 and B1407 can appear together, indicating the same connector issue may be present on both front seats.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 22-2190: Supersedes TSB 21-2297. Covers 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 Bronco. Details the cause (contamination/movement at the connector) and the official fix (replace connector and side airbag). It specifies labor times of 0.8 hours for one side and 1.2 hours for both on Explorer/Aviator.
• TSB 21-2297: The earlier version of the bulletin for the same issue, covering 2020-2021 model years.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue with the side airbag wiring connectors (C367/C337) causing an open circuit, as documented by Ford. The TSB repair involves replacing both the connector pigtail and the side airbag module itself.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Airbag deployment loop resistance — expected: Approximately 1.5 to 3.5 ohms. Some Ford systems target around 2.3 ohms.. Failure: A reading outside the specified range, even by a small margin (e.g., 0.1 ohm), will trigger a DTC. B1407:13 indicates an open circuit (infinite resistance), while B1407:1A indicates resistance below the threshold.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1407:11: Indicates a short to ground in the passenger side airbag circuit. (see via Professional scan tools like Ford IDS or advanced tools like FORScan can read these manufacturer-specific sub-codes from the RCM.)
• B1407:12: Indicates a short to battery in the passenger side airbag circuit. (see via Professional scan tools like Ford IDS or advanced tools like FORScan can read these manufacturer-specific sub-codes from the RCM.)
• B1407:1A: Indicates the resistance in the passenger side airbag circuit is below the specified threshold. (see via Professional scan tools like Ford IDS or advanced tools like FORScan can read these manufacturer-specific sub-codes from the RCM.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): RCM Self-Test — This is the primary function used to retrieve on-demand DTCs from the airbag system to confirm if a fault is currently present after a repair attempt.
• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Clear DTCs — Used after a successful repair to clear the stored fault codes and extinguish the airbag warning light. The fault must be corrected for the code to clear permanently.
• FORScan: Restraints Control Module (RCM) Reset — In some cases, particularly after a repair, a simple 'Clear DTCs' command may not be sufficient. A full module reset may be required to extinguish a persistent airbag light.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Restraints Control Module (RCM) — Located under the center console, between the driver and passenger seats. Access typically requires removing side panels of the center console, and in some cases, removing a front seat for easier access.. This is the central computer for the airbag system. All airbag circuit wiring, including the faulty one triggering B1407, terminates here. In rare cases, a fault at the RCM connector could be the issue.
• Gateway Module (GWM) — Located under the driver's side dash, on the back side of the interior fuse box.. While not directly part of the airbag circuit, the GWM is a central communication hub. Diagnostic procedures may involve interacting with the GWM, and its location is important for any network-related troubleshooting.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube video by Alan Howatt (Ford Mondeo Mk5 (platform shares similar wiring principles)) — Airbag light would perform its self-test, go out, and then come back on, storing code B1407:13 'Passenger Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit Open'.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The technician immediately suspected the wiring based on experience with this common fault.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician removed the passenger seat to gain clear access and found a snapped yellow-and-black wire in the harness under the seat. The wire looked intact initially, but upon cutting back the sheathing, the break was visible. The wire was repaired by soldering and heat-shrinking, which permanently resolved the code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• BU2Z-14S411-BMA (also WPT-1228) → BU2Z-14S411-BMB — The updated part is part of a wire splice procedure designed by Ford Engineering to be superior in strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, using uninsulated butt splices covered with adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing. This creates a more robust, environmentally sealed connection to combat the original issue of contamination and relative movement.