AutoCodes – GMC – B0012 2018 GMC Sierra

B0012 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1

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 2018 GMC Sierra indicates Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1.
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 356

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 2018 GMC Sierra 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.

OBDII Code B0012 2018 GMC Sierra - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 - AutoCodes.com — B0012 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0012 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0012 2018 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0012 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does OBDII code B0012 for a 2018 GMC Sierra mean?

The OBDII code B0012 for a 2018 GMC Sierra refers to the Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 circuit having a malfunction.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms of OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra may include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a potential non-deployment of the driver's steering wheel airbag in a collision.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Possible causes of OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra include a faulty steering wheel airbag deployment loop, damaged wiring, a malfunctioning airbag module, or a problem with the airbag deployment system.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0012 in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra typically involves using a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the steering wheel airbag deployment loop for damage, checking the wiring connections, and testing the airbag system components.

5. Is it safe to drive my 2018 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0012?

It is not recommended to drive your 2018 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0012, as the airbag system may not deploy correctly in the event of a collision, potentially compromising your safety.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0012 in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Repairing OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra may involve replacing the driver's steering wheel airbag deployment loop, repairing any damaged wiring, resetting the airbag module, or addressing any other underlying issues within the airbag system.

7. Can I reset the OBDII code B0012 in my 2018 GMC Sierra using a scan tool?

Yes, you can reset the OBDII code B0012 in your 2018 GMC Sierra using a diagnostic scan tool after addressing and repairing the underlying cause of the issue.

8. Are there any safety precautions to consider when working on the airbag system related to OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

When working on the airbag system related to OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra, it is essential to disconnect the vehicle's battery, wait for the capacitors to discharge, and follow proper safety procedures to avoid accidental airbag deployment.

9. Do I need to take my 2018 GMC Sierra to a professional mechanic for OBDII code B0012 repair?

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to diagnose and repair OBDII code B0012 in a 2018 GMC Sierra, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or dealership with experience in airbag system repairs for proper diagnosis and safe resolution.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B0012 from occurring in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

To prevent OBDII code B0012 in your 2018 GMC Sierra, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on the airbag system, address any warning lights promptly, and avoid any physical damage to the steering wheel airbag deployment components.