What does it mean?
B1338 is a Body (airbags, seat belts, body electronics) fault code. It indicates: Front impact sensor defect .
Symptoms
- Airbag warning lamp permanently lit
- Restraint system disabled, the airbags may not deploy in a frontal impact
- The code sets again immediately after clearing
- No change in how the engine runs or the vehicle drives
- Signs of previous front-end damage or heavy corrosion may be present
Likely causes
- Internal failure of the front impact sensor, its self-test no longer passes
- Corrosion inside the sensor housing after exposure to water and road salt at the front of the vehicle
- Sensor mounting bolt loose or the bracket bent, so the sensor cannot read correctly
- Sensor disturbed or already triggered in a previous collision and never replaced
- Poor connection at the sensor connector, including an unlatched connector position assurance
- Incorrect or non-matching sensor fitted during an earlier repair
- Restraint control module misreading the sensor
How to fix it
- Disconnect the battery and wait the specified period before disconnecting any restraint component
- Check the sensor mounting: it must be tight, on a straight bracket and in the correct orientation
- Inspect the connector for corrosion, spread pins and a properly latched lock
- Measure harness continuity and resistance from the restraint module through to the sensor
- Confirm the fitted sensor part number matches this vehicle
- Replace the front impact sensor once wiring and mounting have been proven good
- Clear codes, cycle the ignition and confirm the airbag lamp completes its self-test and goes out