P1610 – SBDS Interactive Codes

Avatar photo
By Reinier (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2018-09-27
Automobile Repair Shop Owner
CodeFault LocationProbable Cause
P1610 P1610 – SBDS Interactive Codes
(Buy Part On Amazon)

We recommend Torque Pro

Manufacturer Specific Definitions for P1610

MakeFault Location
AudiEngine control module (ECM) - defective
BuickCAN data bus -body control module (BCM)
CadillacCAN data bus -body control module (BCM)
ChevroletCAN data bus -body control module (SCM)
ChryslerImmobilizer control module -circuit malfunction
CitroenSBDS Interactive Codes
DaewooEngine control (EC) relay – voltage high
DodgeImmobilizer control module -circuit malfunction
FordEngine control module (ECM)
FreightlinerEngine control relay -defective
GmLoss of Platform Zone Module (PZM) Serial Data Conditions
HyundaiNon-Immobilizer-EMS Connected to an Immobilizer
InfinitiIgnition key/engine control module (ECM) – malfunction
MitsubishiImmobilizer control module – circuit malfunction
NissanIgnition key/engine control module (ECM) – malfunction
OldsmobileCAN data bus -body control module (BCM)
Opellmmobilizer control module - program error
PeugeotSBDS Interactive Codes
PontiacCAN data bus. engine control module (ECM) to body control module (BCM) -communication failure
PorscheMIL Activated Externally
SaabEngine control module (ECM) – defective
VolvoElectronic throttle system (ETS)- throttle valve command/actual throttle valve position, correlation
VolkswagenEngine control module (ECM) - defective

Table of Contents

  1. What Does Code P1610 Mean?
  2. Where is the P1610 sensor located?
  3. What are the common causes of code P1610?
  4. Get Help with P1610

What Does Code P1610 Mean?

OBD II fault code P1610 is a manufacturer specific code that is defined by car makers Ford, Citroen, and Peugeot as “SBDS (Service Bay Diagnostic System) Interactive Codes”. Note that on Ford applications, this code is defined as P1610 – “Interactive Reprogramming Code – replace (anti-theft) module (used with P1615/17/19/20)”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) on the affected application detects an unspecified malfunction in, or, failure of the anti-theft system. Note that this code is very common on many Ford applications, and only marginally less common on Peugeot and Citroen models,

Note that “used with P1615/17/19/20” refers to Ford-specific OBD II fault codes P1615, P1617, P1619, and P1620, one or more (or sometimes all) of which usually accompanies P1610 on Ford applications. However, these codes also have no definition beyond “SBDS (Service Bay Diagnostic System) Interactive Codes”, which means that there is little, to no information about these codes available to the independent repair trade.

Be aware that in the case of Citroen and Peugeot applications, there is no information beyond the definition- P1610 –“SBDS (Service Bay Diagnostic System) interactive codes” available to the independent repair trade. Therefore, when code P1610 appears on Peugeot/Citroen applications, the affected application is best referred to the authorized dealer.

Systems like anti-theft, infotainment, and keyless entry are controlled by proprietary software, algorithms, and specialized communication protocols that require an interaction between components, such as smart keys, transponders, and specialized code readers to work. Thus, being proprietary, the PID’s (code setting parameters/fault identifiers) for proprietary control systems are neither published, nor shared with manufacturers of diagnostic equipment that is available to the independent repair trade.

In practical terms, “Service Bay Diagnostic System” is OBD-speak, and it means that the problem exists in a system that is considered captive technology, in the sense that only dealerships (usually, but not always) have access to the diagnostic software, equipment, and technical information to access, diagnose, and repair the issue.

Why does code P1610 affect Ford, Citroen, and Peugeot applications more than others?

While this code refers to an anti-theft module failure in the case of Ford applications, there is no information available on the typical causes and/or conditions that could have produced the module failure. In the case of Peugeot and Citroen applications, there is no information available at all.

Where is the P1610 sensor located?

The image above shows a simplified schematic of the anti-theft system on a Ford Taurus application. Note that while this layout is representative of all Ford applications, the actual locations of the various components in a Ford anti-theft system vary greatly between models. Therefore, it is important to refer to the manual for the affected application to locate and identify individual components correctly.

What are the common causes of code P1610?

It should be noted that code P1610 may or may not be related to one or more other SBDS codes, these being-

  • P1611 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1612 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1613 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1614 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1615 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1616 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1617 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1618 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1619 – SBDS Interactive Codes
  • P1620 – SBDS Interactive Codes

Nonetheless, experience has taught that while code P1610 refers to a failure of one or more proprietary systems in the anti-theft system on Ford applications, there are exceptions to this rule, including-

  • Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, and or corroded wiring and/or connectors almost anywhere in the anti-theft, and/or keyless entry systems
  • Attempting to start the vehicle with the wrong key more than a specified number of times
  • Corrupted or failed software in a smart key
  • Failure of an anti-theft system related transponder, and/or code reader
  • Illegal, unauthorized, or ill-considered modifications to the vehicle’s security system(s), such as attempting to install an aftermarket alarm or other theft-deterrent device

Help Us Help You

Please comment below describing your issue as well as the specifics of your vehicle (make, model, year, miles, and engine), and one of our mechanics will respond as soon as possible. We appreciate a $9.99 donation via the payment button below.