B1407 on 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator: Airbag Light Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2022 Lincoln AVIATOR

The Lincoln Aviator, along with its Ford Explorer and Bronco platform mates, is known to have a specific weakness in the side airbag wiring connectors. Ford has acknowledged this in Technical Service Bulletin 22-2190, stating the issue is due to 'contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag.' This makes the problem a well-documented pattern failure rather than a random part defect.

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.
• A flashing airbag light, which may begin flashing approximately 30 seconds after the vehicle is started.

Most Likely Causes

1. Poor Connection at Side Airbag Connector per TSB 22-2190 🔴 High Probability As documented in Ford TSB 22-2190, the connectors for the side airbags are susceptible to contamination and relative movement, leading to an open circuit. This is a known design weakness for this vehicle platform.
   How to confirm: A technician will use a diagnostic scan tool to confirm code B1407:13. They will then access the relevant side airbag connector (C367 or C337) to inspect for contamination, corrosion, or loose pins, as directed by the TSB.
   Typical fix: The official fix involves replacing the faulty connector with a service pigtail (Part No. BU2Z-14S411-BMB) and also replacing the affected side airbag module itself, as per TSB 22-2190.
   Est. part cost: $250-$450

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Wiring Harness Under Seat:
• Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM): This is rare and should only be considered after all wiring and connector issues have been definitively ruled out. The RCM is the central computer for the airbag system. A diagnostic scan tool may show other communication codes if the RCM is failing.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Use a professional-grade scan tool capable of reading manufacturer-specific codes to confirm B1407 and check for the ':13' suffix, which indicates an open circuit.
2. Review TSB 22-2190 to understand the specific known issue for this vehicle and its platform mates.
3. Disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait at least 15 minutes to allow the SRS backup power to discharge.
4. Locate the affected side airbag connector inside the seat back. For the Aviator, the seat does not need to be removed.
5. Inspect the connector (C367 or C337) and the wiring harness for visible damage, corrosion, or contamination.
6. If the connector appears faulty, follow the TSB procedure to replace it with the updated service pigtail, part number BU2Z-14S411-BMB.
7. Replace the side airbag module as instructed by the TSB.
8. Clear the DTCs using the scan tool and verify that the airbag warning light goes out and stays out after the 30-second system self-test.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Side Airbag Connector Service Pigtail (OEM #BU2Z-14S411-BMB) — This is the specific, updated repair part called for in TSB 22-2190 to fix the faulty connector. It supersedes the older BU2Z-14S411-BMA part number.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $40-$60
• Left Side Airbag Module (Seat) (OEM #LB5Z-78611D11-B) — The TSB requires replacing the airbag module along with the connector to ensure the repair is complete and reliable.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $200-$350
• Right Side Airbag Module (Seat) (OEM #LB5Z-78611D10-B) — The TSB requires replacing the airbag module along with the connector to ensure the repair is complete and reliable.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $200-$350

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1404 — This code is for the opposite side airbag circuit (Driver Side). TSB 22-2190 explicitly mentions that B1404:13 and B1407:13 can appear together, as they stem from the same design issue on both sides of the vehicle.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 22-2190: Illuminated Airbag Warning Indicator With DTC B1404:13 And/Or B1407:13.
• TSB 21-2297: The earlier version of the TSB, superseded by 22-2190 to update the vehicle model years affected.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB 22-2190: This bulletin, which supersedes a previous version, directly addresses DTC B1407:13 on 2020-2022 Aviators. It states the cause is 'contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag' and provides a detailed procedure to replace the connector and the side airbag module.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Side Airbag Deployment Loop Resistance — expected: 1.44 - 3.52 ohms. Failure: A value greater than 3.52 ohms indicates an open circuit (B1407:13). A value less than 1.44 ohms indicates a short or resistance below threshold (B1407:1A).

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1407:11: Indicates a short to ground in the passenger side airbag circuit. (see via Visible with a professional scan tool capable of reading Ford-specific SRS codes.)
• B1407:12: Indicates a short to battery in the passenger side airbag circuit. (see via Visible with a professional scan tool capable of reading Ford-specific SRS codes.)
• B1407:1A: Indicates the resistance in the passenger side airbag circuit is below the specified threshold. (see via Visible with a professional scan tool capable of reading Ford-specific SRS codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): On-Demand Self Test — This is the primary function used to command the Restraints Control Module (RCM) to check all its circuits and report any current faults, such as B1407:13.
• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Programmable Module Installation (PMI) — Used when replacing the RCM. This function reads the configuration data from the original module before it is removed, and then writes that data to the new module after installation, ensuring correct vehicle setup.
• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): As-Built — Used to program a new RCM when the original module is missing or unable to communicate. The IDS tool downloads the vehicle's original factory configuration data from Ford's network and programs it to the new module.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Restraints Control Module (RCM) — Typically located under the center console, between the front seats, or under one of the front seats.. This is the module that monitors the side airbag circuit and sets code B1407. All diagnostic tests originate from and report to this module.
• Side Airbag Harness (Under Seat) — The wiring harness for the side airbag runs from the vehicle floor, under the carpet, and up into the seat. The section under the seat is a common point of failure.. This harness is subject to stress and chafing from seat movement and objects under the seat. A broken wire in this area can cause an open circuit and trigger B1407:13, even if the connector mentioned in the TSB is intact.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Mechanic Video (Alan Howatt) (Ford Mondeo Mk5 (a platform with similar wiring architecture)) — Airbag light on, DTC B1407:13 'Passenger Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit Open'.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial visual inspection of the wire sheathing looked okay. 🎬 Watch a technician troubleshoot the B1407 passenger side circuit.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The seat was removed to gain better access. A yellow and black wire within the harness under the passenger seat had completely snapped due to repeated stress from seat movement. The wire was repaired, and the code was successfully cleared.
• Mechanic Video (md akram car technical support) (Ford EcoSport) — Airbag light on, DTC B1407 'Passenger Side Airbag Deployment Control'.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Upon inspection of the wiring under the passenger seat, it was discovered that a rodent had chewed through two of the wires in the airbag harness. The wires were repaired, and the fault code was cleared.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020-2022: The official TSB acknowledgment evolved. TSB 21-2297 initially covered 2020-2021 Aviator/Explorer models. This was later superseded by TSB 22-2190, which expanded the coverage to include the 2022 model year for the Aviator/Explorer, indicating the same issue persisted on the newer production vehicles.