Airbag light on with codes 43 & 51, please help!

Hi everyone, new here from Texas. Truck is a 2006 Tundra 4.7 crew cab 2wd with 91,700 original miles. I find it interesting to find the airbag light on with such little miles. Anyhow, I used the paperclip method on the upper 4th & lower 5th holes of the obdii port to get a blinking light code. I counted three times consistently and got code 43 & 51. I have searched and found very little information regarding these codes. I guess I'm looking for some guidance on how to tackle this issue where to start first. It appears that one code pertains to the driver side (code 51) and passenger side (code 43). The only new things that I've done regarding electrical is put a brand new battery (agm from Wal-Mart), new terminals, and put a new ground wire from the battery to the body. Also, put a new copper lug on the main ground because it had some corrosion.

At any rate, any guidance here would be great because I have not found much more info with similar codes. Again, codes are 43 & 51.

Here's a few links that I've found for the time being but still need to look into this more.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/that-dang-air-bag-light.57060/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/srs-airbag-warning-light.31943/

https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forums/topic/airbag-dash-light-2002-tundra/

If this thread belongs elsewhere please let me know so I can move it.

 

Your best bet would probably be to get a hold of a scanner that can read SRS codes and scan it like that. May also just need to be reset with said code reader.

 

Is this something that can be rented or only purchased? Aren't those higher-end scanners pricey and any particular scanner brand/model? If perhaps the codes may just need to be reset then what might have triggered the airbag light to come on?

 

They are a little pricey yes, that's why it's sometimes better if you can come across someone that already owns one but I know that isn't always possible. Autel sells some decent units that are cheaper. Here is one that is on sale right now that appears to do what you would need but dig into the details a bit to be sure.

$85 Autel AutoLink AL619 Scanner, 2025 ABS SRS Airbag Warning Light Diagnostic Scan Tool, Up of AL519 ML519 ML619, 10 OBDII Test Modes, DTCs Lookup, Live Data, Turn Off Check Engine Light OBD2 Code Reader

LINK
This is a similar scanner to the one I have and it has worked the few times I've needed it.

I have seen instances (usually on other vehicles) where a low battery will fault out the airbag module and it will only reset with a code reader.

 

I should add that the horn works perfectly fine so I don't believe it is the clock spring. Plus, IIRC a clock spring issue yields a different code. Additionally, the truck has never been in any accidents.

 

Hmm, so before I changed the battery out it did leave me stranded once and jumped it and started up quickly. The following day I installed the new battery etc.

Is this the scanner you linked?

$100 Autel AutoLink AL619 OBD2 Scanner | 2025 ABS/SRS/CAN Diagnostic Tool | Read/Erase Codes, Check Engine Light, OBDII Live Data & DTC Library | Upgrade for AL519, ML519, ML619 (Vehicle-Specific)

Autel AutoLink AL619 OBD2 Scanner

 

Yes that's it. Did the airbag light happen right after the battery issues?

 

No, not instantly after the battery change. I'd say a couple of weeks later is when the airbag light came on.

 

You know many major chain local auto parts store will read codes for free, right? I would expect their code readers will give SRS codes.

Is the check engine light on also? Or just the SRS light?

Low mileage can be a bad thing in these trucks. Nothing related to this problem necessarily, but there are a few examples of bad shit in this thread, which is a must-read for new owners.

Did you check if the airbag recall has been completed on the truck?

 

Eh the parts stores I've been to and seen their code readers they seem very basic. Usually only show a code and no description (check engine only). It may be worth a shot though. Your area may be different.

 

Hi, it's only the SRS airbag light. Do I just call my local dealer and ask them about airbag recall or is there a site to check if it's been done? I will definitely take a look at your linked thread.

 

See the thread I linked. It literally has everything you need to know about your truck, including how to check the maintenance history for recalls at the Toyota Owners site.

But don't stop there. Take 15 minutes, read the first two replies completely. There is so much info, so many resources in there, you should really read it before you invest another dollar into the truck.

 

I created an account and input the vin# but states no recalls. I did find other links useful on the linked thread so I will look at those after I've solved the SRS airbag light issue. For good measure I've also taken advantage of ordering a scanner since I don't own one and it's currently on sale.

 

Anyone know if the SRS airbag light codes are the same for all Toyota models? While I wait for my scanner to arrive to pull specific codes I'm just trying to be proactive and see if I can resolve this issue. I've read that the connectors are very sensitive and the slightest shift/movement, debris or dust, corrosion, or padding tear/movement (if any) can trigger an airbag light. Also, at times some of the pins at the connectors may be the issue where they require to be separated ever so slight so as to connect back the connectors with a firmer feel. I found a thread over on Tacomaworld explaining code 43 & 51.

Dumb question, can I simply unplug the airbag connector under the seat without disconnecting the battery or just disconnect the battery regardless?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...side squib circuit,cable and the steering pad.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/please-help-with-srs-codes.297344/

 

Any time you disconnect anything with a yellow connector, always unplug the negative battery terminal for at least 5-10 minutes.

 

Alrighty, so the scanner (Autel 619) arrived. It pulled two codes related to the ABS/VSC/TRAC and two codes for the SRS airbag systems.

ABS/VSC/TRAC: C0210 (RH)- Current and CO215 (LH)- Current

SRS airbag: B1801- Open in d squib circuit- Current and B1660- P seat airbag active mode indicator- Current.

 

Next, I only wiggled the connectors a bit while pressing them in together under the front passenger seat. Nothing was disconnected and only did this for the front passenger seat. I reset the codes and scanned again. Now, code "B1660- P seat airbag active mode indicator" has been resolved. Awesome, moving forward. Still pulled the other three codes.

 

I know in the shared link up top I briefly read about how the rear speed sensors getting dirty can cause the annoying brake sputter issue at very low speeds which the truck has but this post was initially about the SRS airbag light. At any rate, at least now I have direction for that issue and I'll dive into that shortly after I resolve the last SRS airbag code.

 

I have a Limited DC 2005
I didnt like the wood grain so i bought the black dash, lower console center, and door panel inserts from an SR5 model to swap out. I saw there were a few different radio bezel layouts depending on year and model so i searched for one that matched my layout. Everything was the same on the upper dash / radio bezel so i just plugged everything in and snapped the dash in place. As soon as i cranked the truck up, the airbag light was on. My heart sank and i cut it off, disassembled and made sure everything was plugged in right. Held the dash in hand and turned the key and yep, airbag light was on.

In order to diagnose i unplugged everything and swapped in my OEM wood grain dash in place and airbag light went off.

So.... I swapped the airbag cut off sensor thing on the lower dash bezel from the wood grain dash over to the black dash and everything worked as planned. So... You might have an actual problem or have a bad sensor in the dash like i did that kicked the airbag light on.

 

Hey badass03taco, appreciate the reply. I did resolve one of two SRS airbag light codes. Not sure if you've read the last posts. The stock stereo and interior is still in the truck. The entire truck is stock minus the front struts (Bilstein 5100 adjustable) though in stock setting and an AGM battery. The remaining code is B1801 which points towards the driver airbag. From what I've read It seems like when the horn fails to work it's more likely to be the clock spring. The horn works perfectly for me. Another tell tell sign is if the cruise control stops working (I actually need to check this). Also, for some reason removing the airbag and reconnecting it, and or just ever so slightly separating the pins (described in a post above) so as to have a little bit of a firmer fit resolves the issue. Anyhow, I'm still searching for more info but having a scanner helped narrow it down.

 

Went out for a drive to test cruise control and it works perfectly fine. The light comes on, and accelerates and decelerates as it should. Again, horn also works and sounds strong like it should. Truck has no buttons on the steering wheel and cruise control is on the side stalk switch.

After searching some more, it appears that other Toyota vehicles have experienced similar symptoms with both the horn and cruise control functioning and had the SRS airbag light code B1801. In those instances the clock spring itself was determined the issue so I guess the pins for the connector can remain intact.

Also with regards to SRS airbag code B1801 from JustAnswer:
"B1801 D squib refers to an open in the driver horn button assembly, this can be due to a defective driver air bag, air bag center sensor issue, spiral cable issue or the wires from the steering column to the center air bag".

Additionally, I've read that it's typically unlikely to be a faulty airbag or sensor. I'm not really up to the task of testing the airbag itself unless there's a guarantee it wont go off.

IDK, seems like 9/10 it's usually a clock spring mechanism issue or failure at the pins with the connector.

Thoughts anyone???

 

Update, resolved but going to monitor.

I drove around for a bit yesterday late afternoon while "activating/ de-activating cruise control, and increasing/ decreasing the speed" just for the heck of it. I eventually pulled over and turned the truck off for a bit. When I started it back up the SRS airbag light turned off as it normally should. I'm not saying that "activating/ de-activating cruise control, and increasing/ decreasing the speed" somehow fixed it. It's just what I did and I don't want to leave any details out is all. Regardless, I couldn't be any happier. For the time being, I'm not going to call it 100% resolved because I want to monitor it and see if it ends up turning back on or not. Now, I can focus on the rear speed sensors. Anyway, hope this helps someone else down the road.

 

Mine had both a functioning horn and cruise control, but the SRS light was always on. When I went to the dealer for the airbag recall I hoped that it would magically fix it, but alas it did not. "Open squib circuit" they said.

Later (like years later) I discovered just seconds before someone backed into me that my horn no longer worked. Yet the cruise control still did. I finally bit the bullet, took out a second mortgage on my house, and bought an OEM spiral cable. Now the horn works, the cruise works, and the SRS light is off.

 

Update, the darn SRS airbag light is alive and well annoying me lol.

 

Yeah, sounds like you were experiencing similar symptoms. Well, the darn SRS airbag light had turned off by itself last night but later today it decided to return. I'm thinking that's the issue as well.

 

Don't cheap out on that part. OEM is best if you can afford it. Glad the scanner worked out well for you though.

 

Hey, NickB_01TRD I appreciate the heads up on the scanner it definitely helped me in acquiring more detailed info. Absolutely, going with an Toyota OEM part. Currently, shopping around for best price. I'm not 100% trusting of eBay or Amazon for factory replacement parts but especially the clock spring spiral cable sub-assembly. All in all, even though I did not test the airbag itself I am 99% confident that I found the issue. Of course, time will tell and I will post back any results.

Toyota 84306-07040 Clock Spring Spiral Cable Sub-Assembly

 

I have code B1801 also. Airbag light has been on for 10 years, I bought it salvage from a fender bender. My Airbags were replaced before I bought the truck. My horn, and Cruise control have always worked. I started to look into the problem recently to try and remove the air bag light. I went ahead and replaced the clock string with a rockauto one and nothing changed.

update
I ordered another clockspring from rockauto via the Warranty (same part number) and my light went away. Finally after 10+ years no more B1801

 

What I've gathered over the years is that aftermarket parts are not 100% like factory OEM part in regards to fit/finish/calibration etc. Most of the time on a Toyota we can get by with non OEM parts such as a tie rod or control arm or bushing or serpentine belt etc. But when it comes to electronics or sensors it's hit and miss with most often being a miss. You read countless threads about folks buying aftermarket sensor or module with the issue temporarily going away but then returns. The aftermarket parts(s) test good but issue continues, and it only ends up being 100% resolved after they've replaced with a factory part. My recommendation would be to perhaps find a used factory clock spring from the junk yard and if the SRS airbag light goes away then you've got your answer. However, now being replaced with a aged & used but working factory part you wont know how long it'll last so at least the next time the light comes on you'll know to just buy a new one from Toyota and be done. This suggestion would be for merely testing purposes and not a permanent fix.

When you installed the aftermarket one from RockAuto did you align the arrows on it?

The module potentially not being reset you'd have to reach out and ask whomever sold you the truck but they could always just lie to you. At any rate, if you got the module from the junk yard then you will likely rule that out.

 

I've just placed an order for a new Toyota 84306-07040 Clock Spring Spiral Cable Sub-Assembly through Amayama.com for $141.86 (part) + $24.91 (international shipping from UAE) for a total of $166.77. I've ordered from that site other parts for my 80 series Land Cruiser and never had an issue. It was the best price I could find online for a factory OEM part. I will report back when part arrives and results after installation.