Passenger Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Short to Ground
A short circuit is detected in the passenger airbag deployment circuit.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The passenger airbag circuit has a fault that indicates it’s always seeing a low signal, like flipping a switch to 'off' permanently, which could prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash.
What the computer is actually seeing
The airbag control module sees less than 0.5 volts (short to ground) where it expects a resistance indicating the airbag is ready to deploy. It continuously monitors the circuit for faults.
What a healthy reading looks like
Normal operation would show a resistance above 2 ohms and a voltage of around 12-14 volts when the vehicle is in running state.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Inspect the wiring and connectors related to the passenger airbag circuit for damage or corrosion. Decision: If damaged or corroded, repair/replace as necessary before proceeding.
- 22. Measure voltage at the airbag connector with the ignition on. Expected: 12-14 volts. Decision: If no voltage, trace harness back for shorts or opens.
- 33. Check resistance at the airbag connector. Expected: >2 ohms. Decision: If resistance is too low (<2 ohms), suspect a short to ground in wiring or a faulty airbag.
- 44. If previous checks are fine, swap with a known good passenger airbag. Decision: If the new airbag clears the code, replace the airbag.
Common causes
- Wiring harness damage or short to ground
- Faulty passenger airbag
- Connector corrosion or poor contact
- Faulty airbag control module
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code active?
No, it's not safe because the passenger airbag may not deploy in an accident.
Will this code come back if not fixed?
Yes, if there’s a persistent fault in the circuit or a faulty airbag, the code will return.
Why does it pair with B0016?
B0015 and B0016 are often related as they both monitor airbag readiness but on different circuits.
Working a real vehicle right now?
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