AutoCodes – Generic – B0012:04

B0012:04 Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open

Quick Answer

During a frontal crash of sufficient force, the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the steering wheel air bag. Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag, Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag Coil, Steering Wheel Air Bag harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B0012:04 indicates Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag, Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag Coil, Steering Wheel Air Bag harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 2,255

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 05, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0012:04 Description

During a frontal crash of sufficient force, the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the steering wheel air bag. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. There are two shorting bars used within the steering wheel air bag coil connector which will short together both steering wheel air bag stage 1 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 1 low control circuit and both steering wheel air bag stage 2 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 2 low control circuit when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the steering wheel air bag during servicing. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the steering wheel air bag deployment loop is open for 2 s.

OBDII Code B0012:04 - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open - AutoCodes.com — B0012:04 Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0012:04?

Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag
Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag Coil
Steering Wheel Air Bag harness is open or shorted
Steering Wheel Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0012:04?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B0012:01 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Short to Battery
B0012:02 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Short to Ground
B0012:04 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open Circuit
B0012:0D Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 High Resistance
B0012:0E Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Low Resistance

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0012:04 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B0012:04 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0012:04 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0012:04 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B0012:04 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0012:04?

The common symptoms of OBDII code B0012:04 include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard and a potential loss of functionality of the driver's steering wheel airbag.

2. What does the code B0012:04 indicate?

The code B0012:04 indicates an issue with the Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stageâ€‰1 Open, meaning there is an open circuit in the deployment loop for the driver's steering wheel airbag.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0012:04?

Possible causes of OBDII code B0012:04 include a faulty clock spring, damaged wiring in the airbag system, a defective airbag module, or a disconnected connection in the airbag circuit.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B0012:04?

Diagnosing the cause of OBDII code B0012:04 typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to read and interpret the code, as well as conducting a visual inspection of the airbag system components for any visible damage or disconnections.

5. Can I still drive my vehicle with OBDII code B0012:04?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with OBDII code B0012:04 present, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver's steering wheel airbag system, which may compromise your safety in the event of a collision.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0012:04?

Repairing OBDII code B0012:04 often involves addressing the root cause of the open circuit in the airbag deployment loop, which may require replacing the clock spring, repairing damaged wiring, or reconnecting any disconnected components in the airbag system.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0012:04 without fixing the issue?

Resetting the OBDII code B0012:04 without fixing the underlying issue is not recommended, as it may lead to continued malfunction of the driver's steering wheel airbag system and compromise your safety in the event of an accident.

8. Can I fix OBDII code B0012:04 myself?

While some drivers may have the skills to diagnose and repair OBDII code B0012:04 themselves, it is recommended to seek professional help from a certified mechanic or technician to ensure the issue is properly addressed and the airbag system is functioning correctly.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B0012:04?

The cost to repair OBDII code B0012:04 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, the extent of the repairs needed, and the labor rates of the service provider. It is advisable to obtain quotes from several reputable repair shops to compare prices.

10. Are there any recalls related to OBDII code B0012:04?

It is advisable to check with the vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if there are any recalls related to OBDII code B0012:04 for your specific make and model of vehicle.