AutoCodes – GMC – B0021 2017 GMC Sierra

B0021 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop

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 2017 GMC Sierra indicates Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop.
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 285

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 2017 GMC Sierra 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.

OBDII Code B0021 2017 GMC Sierra - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop - AutoCodes.com — B0021 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0021 2017 GMC Sierra?

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 2017 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

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 2017 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 B0021 2017 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0021 2017 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0021 2017 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 B0021 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does OBDII code B0021 on a 2017 GMC Sierra indicate?

- OBDII code B0021 on a 2017 GMC Sierra specifically relates to the Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms of OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra may include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Possible causes of OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra include a fault in the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop circuit.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B0021 in my 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosing the issue related to OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault codes.

5. Can I continue to drive my 2017 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0021?

- It is not recommended to continue driving your 2017 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0021, as it indicates a potential issue with the passenger seat side airbag system.

6. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Repair tips for fixing OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop circuit.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra without fixing the underlying issue?

- While it is possible to clear the code temporarily, it will likely reappear until the underlying issue with the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop is properly addressed.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- The cost to repair OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra can vary depending on the extent of the issue and whether professional assistance is required.

9. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Yes, there are safety concerns associated with OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra, as it indicates a potential problem with the passenger seat side airbag system, which could affect its functionality in an accident.

10. Can I fix OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra myself, or do I need to take it to a professional mechanic?

- While some basic troubleshooting like checking for loose connections can be done by DIY enthusiasts, it is generally recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair of OBDII code B0021 in a 2017 GMC Sierra.