What does it mean?
B1446 is a Body (airbags, seat belts, body electronics) fault code. It indicates: Side Impact Sensor (Rear: RH) System for Fault .
Symptoms
- Airbag warning lamp on constantly with the rear right side restraint disabled
- Rear right side and curtain airbags unavailable in a collision
- Code stays current after every clearing attempt
- Fault often accompanied by damp carpet or a musty smell in the rear of the cabin
- No mechanical noise or change in the way the vehicle drives
Likely causes
- Internal failure of the sensor's sensing element or its electronics
- Water reaching the sensor at the rear sill, wheel arch or C pillar after a seal or drain leak
- Sensor mounting bolts loose, so it cannot read body movement correctly
- Sensor previously subjected to an impact, or reused from a crashed vehicle
- Corroded connector raising resistance in the sensor supply or signal path
- Damaged wiring between the restraint module and the rear right sensor
- Low battery voltage during the self test causing a false fault report
How to fix it
- Turn off the ignition, disconnect the battery and wait the specified reserve energy discharge time before starting work
- Test the battery and charging voltage first, since marginal supply can make a healthy sensor report a fault
- Lift the rear right sill or wheel arch trim, look for water staining and damp insulation, and repair the leak before fitting parts
- Unplug the sensor and inspect both connector halves for corrosion, deformed terminals and an unlatched lock
- Measure the supply and signal wiring back to the restraint module for continuity, resistance and insulation to ground
- Confirm the sensor is torqued to clean bare metal and that its bracket is not bent or cracked
- Fit a correctly specified new sensor rather than a used unit, complete any configuration required, clear the memory and confirm the lamp goes out and stays out on a road test