AutoCodesMercury – B0020 Mercury

B0020 Mercury Code - Left Side Airbag Deployment Control

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors all deployable device and sensor circuits for a signal cross coupled (short) between circuits. Common causes include Faulty Left Seat Side Airbag, Left Seat Side Airbag harness is open or shorted, Left Seat Side Airbag circuit poor electrical connection. 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
B0020 Mercury indicates Left Side Airbag Deployment Control.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Left Seat Side Airbag, Left Seat Side Airbag harness is open or shorted, Left Seat Side Airbag circuit poor electrical connection.
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 3,704
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 09, 2022
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Code B0020 Mercury Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors all deployable device and sensor circuits for a signal cross coupled (short) between circuits. If the RCM detects a short between the circuits of one device and another device, it will store a DTC for each of the signal cross coupled faults in memory. The RCM sends a message to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) to illuminate the air bag warning indicator. When a normal loop fault is present (one loop is either shorted to battery/ground, open circuit or low resistance), then signal cross coupled diagnostics will not be active. Once the normal loop fault is repaired, then the signal cross coupled diagnostics will resume.
OBDII Code B0020 Mercury - Left Side Airbag Deployment Control - AutoCodes.com
B0020 Mercury Code - Left Side Airbag Deployment Control

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0020 Mercury?

  • Faulty Left Seat Side Airbag
  • Left Seat Side Airbag harness is open or shorted
  • Left Seat Side Airbag circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B0020 Mercury?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0020 Mercury 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 B0020 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0020 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0020 Mercury 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 B0020 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0020 for the left side airbag deployment control in a Mercury?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential non-deployment of the left side airbag during an accident.

2. What could cause OBDII code B0020 to trigger in a Mercury?

- The code B0020 may be triggered due to a faulty left side airbag deployment control module, damaged wiring harness, or a problem with the left side airbag itself.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0020 in my Mercury?

- Diagnosing the code B0020 typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, checking the wiring harness for damage, and inspecting the left side airbag deployment control module and connections.

4. Is it safe to drive my Mercury with OBDII code B0020 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag fault code, as it may compromise the airbag system's functionality in the event of a collision.

5. Can I reset the OBDII code B0020 in my Mercury without fixing the issue?

- While you can clear the fault code temporarily, it is crucial to address the underlying issue causing the B0020 code to prevent potential airbag system failures and ensure safety.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0020 in a Mercury?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B0020 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the left side airbag deployment control module, repairing wiring harnesses, or addressing other related components.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for resolving OBDII code B0020 in my Mercury?

- DIY repair for OBDII code B0020 may include visually inspecting the wiring harness for damage, checking connections to the left side airbag deployment control module, and ensuring all components are securely in place.

8. Will fixing OBDII code B0020 require professional assistance?

- Repairing OBDII code B0020 often involves working with critical safety components like airbags, so it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.

9. Can OBDII code B0020 be intermittent in a Mercury?

- Yes, OBDII code B0020 can sometimes be intermittent, but it is essential to address the underlying issue causing the fault to prevent potential safety risks associated with the airbag system.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B0020 in a Mercury?

- The repair time for OBDII code B0020 can vary based on the specific cause of the issue, but it may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose, repair, and test the airbag system to ensure proper functionality.

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