B0013:01 Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Battery
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
- B0013:01 indicates Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Battery.
- 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.
Code B0013:01 Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0013:01?
- 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 B0013:01?
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.
Code Tech Notes
B0013:02 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground
B0013:04 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Open Circuit
B0013:0D Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 High Resistance
B0013:0E Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Low Resistance
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the B0013:01 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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions about B0013:01 Code
1. What does the OBDII code B0013:01 indicate on a vehicle?
- Code B0013:01 indicates that there is an issue with the driver steering wheel airbag deployment loop for stage 2, specifically a short to battery. This means there's an unexpected voltage condition within the circuit that controls the stage 2 deployment of the driver's airbag.
2. What symptoms might I notice if my car has the B0013:01 code?
- Symptoms can include the airbag warning light illuminating on your dashboard, possible failure of the airbag to deploy in an accident, or in rare cases, unintended deployment if the system malfunctions severely.
3. What could cause a B0013:01 code to be triggered in my vehicle?
- Causes can include damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag circuit, faults within the airbag module itself, or corrosion that leads to a short circuit in the airbag deployment system.
4. How can a mechanic diagnose the B0013:01 code?
- A mechanic will typically start by scanning the vehicle’s computer system for all stored codes. They will inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the driver's airbag system for any obvious damage or corrosion and may use a multimeter to check for shorts or excessive resistance in the circuit.
5. What are the risks of driving with a B0013:01 code?
- Driving with this code is risky as it directly affects the safety features of your vehicle. There is a potential for the driver’s airbag to not deploy properly in a collision, which increases the risk of injury.
6. How is the B0013:01 code cleared from the onboard diagnostic system?
- To clear the code, a mechanic must first rectify the fault which could involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or components. Once the repair is complete, they can reset the vehicle’s diagnostic system to see if the code reappears.
7. What repairs can fix the B0013:01 code?
- Repairs might include replacing damaged wiring, repairing or replacing the connector to the driver's airbag, or replacing the airbag module if it is found to be defective.
8. Is it necessary to replace the entire airbag system if I have a B0013:01 code?
- Not necessarily. Often, the issue can be resolved by replacing or repairing only the faulty parts such as the wiring or the specific airbag module associated with the code.
9. Can I diagnose or fix the B0013:01 code at home?
- Diagnosing and repairing airbag-related issues can be complex and dangerous if not handled correctly. It is recommended to have a professional mechanic with experience in automotive electrical systems handle such repairs.
10. How often does the B0013:01 code occur in vehicles?
- This code is not extremely common but can occur in vehicles that have experienced some form of electrical issue or after an accident where the airbag system may have been compromised.
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