Mitsubishi B1438
52B-004
Quick answer
For applicable U.S. Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles, DTC B1438 is documented in Mitsubishi SRS service-manual diagnostic procedures. Verified evidence shows the diagnosis information for B1438 was corrected by Mitsubishi technical service bulletins; the code’s component-level meaning is not established by the supplied evidence.
This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.
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1. What does B1438 mean?
For applicable U.S. Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles, DTC B1438 is documented in Mitsubishi SRS service-manual diagnostic procedures. Verified evidence shows the diagnosis information for B1438 was corrected by Mitsubishi technical service bulletins; the code’s component-level meaning is not established by the supplied evidence.
2. Technical explanation
B1438 — 52B-004 is a Mitsubishi DTC record. The supplied official manufacturer communications state that the diagnostic information for DTC B1438 and B1439 in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) service manual was corrected. The evidence does not provide the corrected diagnostic text, failure definition, test procedure, or repair procedure.
3. What system is affected?
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), based on the cited i-MiEV service-manual section: Group 52B — SRS Air Bag Diagnosis / SRS-ECU diagnostic trouble code procedures.
4. How serious is this code?
Unknown. Severity is not yet established by verified evidence.
5. Symptoms you may notice
- Not yet established by verified evidence.
6. Possible causes
- Not yet established by verified evidence.
7. Can I still drive the vehicle?
Unknown. Whether the vehicle can be driven with B1438 is not yet established by verified evidence.
8. Can I charge the vehicle?
Unknown. Whether the vehicle can be charged with B1438 is not yet established by verified evidence.
9. What you can safely do
- Record the code and any warning indicators present.
- Arrange diagnosis using the applicable Mitsubishi i-MiEV SRS service information.
- Do not attempt high-voltage or restraint-system repairs based on this code alone.
10. Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Use the applicable corrected SRS-ECU DTC diagnostic procedure referenced by Mitsubishi for B1438.
- The supplied evidence does not include the procedure steps; no specific test, inspection, or component replacement is established by verified evidence.
11. When to contact service
Service is appropriate because B1438 is referenced in SRS-ECU diagnostic procedures. The supplied evidence does not establish urgency, drivability, or a specific repair.
12. What the service center may check
- Confirm B1438 with suitable diagnostic equipment.
- Consult the corrected B1438 diagnosis information in the applicable Mitsubishi i-MiEV SRS service manual.
- Determine the applicable bulletin by vehicle model year.
13. Possible repair or resolution
- Not yet established by verified evidence.
14. Affected vehicles
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV · 2012 · US
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV · 2013–2014 · US
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV · 2016–2017 · US
15. Related TSBs / service bulletins
- TSB-18-52B-002, published December 20, 2018: Corrects the 2012 U.S. i-MiEV service-manual diagnosis information for DTCs B1438 and B1439 in Group 52B, SRS Air Bag Diagnosis, SRS-ECU DTC procedures.
- TSB-18-52B-003, published December 20, 2018: Corrects the 2013 Canada-only and 2014 i-MiEV service-manual diagnosis information for DTCs B1438 and B1439.
- TSB-18-52B-004, published December 20, 2018: Corrects the 2016 and 2017 i-MiEV service-manual diagnosis information for DTCs B1438 and B1439.
16. Recall information
- Not yet established by verified evidence.
17. Official manufacturer information
Official NHTSA-hosted Mitsubishi manufacturer communications: TSB-18-52B-002 (MC-10152960), TSB-18-52B-003 (MC-10152959), and TSB-18-52B-004 (MC-10152961), each published December 20, 2018.
19. Frequently asked questions
What does Mitsubishi code B1438 mean?
The supplied verified evidence identifies B1438 as an SRS-ECU diagnostic trouble code covered by corrected Mitsubishi service-manual diagnosis information. Its specific component or fault meaning is not yet established by verified evidence.
Which vehicles are covered by the supplied evidence?
U.S. Mitsubishi i-MiEV model years 2012, 2013–2014, and 2016–2017 are listed in the supplied applicability data. The cited TSB evidence specifically identifies 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017 U.S. manual updates; TSB-18-52B-003 identifies 2013 as Canada-only.
Is B1438 an EV battery or charging code?
The supplied evidence places B1438 in the Supplemental Restraint System service-manual section. It does not establish a battery or charging-system fault.
Was there a Mitsubishi bulletin for B1438?
Yes. The supplied official communications state that Mitsubishi corrected the service-manual diagnosis information for B1438 and B1439, with separate bulletins for relevant i-MiEV model years.