AutoCodes – Generic – B0021:02

B0021:02 Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Ground

Quick Answer

A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in non-volatile memory if a malfunction is detected. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Side Air Bag, Passenger Seat Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Side Air Bag 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: B0021:02 indicates Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Side Air Bag, Passenger Seat Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Side Air Bag 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 513

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 09, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0021:02 Description

A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in non-volatile memory if a malfunction is detected. During a side or 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 passenger seat side 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. A shorting bar is used within the passenger seat side air bag connector which will short together both high and low circuits when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag during servicing. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the air bag control circuit is shorted to ground for 2 seconds.

OBDII Code B0021:02 - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Ground - AutoCodes.com — B0021:02 Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0021:02?

Faulty Passenger Seat Side Air Bag
Passenger Seat Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted
Passenger Seat Side Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0021:02?

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

B0021:01 Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Battery
B0021:02 Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Ground
B0021:04 Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Open
B0021:0D Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop High Resistance
B0021:0E Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Low Resistance

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0021:02 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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Need more information on how to fix the B0021:02 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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Get the B0021:02 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 B0021:02 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0021:02?

The common symptoms of this code include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a potential loss of functionality of the passenger side airbag.

2. What does the OBDII code B0021:02 mean?

The code B0021:02 indicates a passenger seat side airbag deployment loop short to ground, which means there is an electrical issue in the circuit responsible for deploying the passenger side airbag.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0021:02?

Possible causes of this code include damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger seat airbag system, a faulty airbag module, or a defective passenger seat side airbag.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B0021:02?

Diagnosing this code typically involves inspecting the wiring and connectors in the passenger seat airbag system, testing the airbag module, and checking the passenger seat side airbag for any faults.

5. Can I still drive my vehicle with OBDII code B0021:02?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an unresolved airbag issue, as the passenger side airbag may not deploy properly in case of an accident. It is advisable to address the problem promptly.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0021:02?

Repairing this code may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the airbag module if necessary, or replacing the passenger seat side airbag to resolve the short to ground issue.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code B0021:02 turn off the airbag warning light?

Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the airbag warning light, but if the underlying issue is not fixed, the light will likely illuminate again once the problem is detected by the vehicle's system.

8. Is it safe to attempt to repair OBDII code B0021:02 myself?

Repairing airbag-related issues can be complex and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. It is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician with experience in handling airbag systems.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B0021:02?

The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific components that need to be repaired or replaced. It is best to consult with a mechanic for an accurate estimate.

10. Can OBDII code B0021:02 be a false alarm?

While it is possible for a fault code to be triggered erroneously, it is crucial to investigate the issue thoroughly to ensure the safety and functionality of the passenger side airbag system.