AutoCodes – Buick – B0038 Buick

B0038 Buick Code - Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control

Quick Answer

When the ignition switch is turned to RUN position, Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical internal malfunctions. Common causes include Faulty Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag, Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Second Row Right Frontal 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: B0038 Buick indicates Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag, Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Second Row Right Frontal 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 1,895

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0038 Buick Description

When the ignition switch is turned to RUN position, Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical internal malfunctions. SDM then performs deployment loop voltage out of range test and deployment loop resistance measurement test. If voltage out of range test detects a short to voltage condition, the resistance measurement test will not be performed.

OBDII Code B0038 Buick - Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control - AutoCodes.com — B0038 Buick Code - Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0038 Buick?

Faulty Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag
Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag harness is open or shorted
Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0038 Buick?

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 B0038 Buick 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 B0038 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0038 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0038 Buick 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 B0038 Buick Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0038 in a Buick related to the Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the deployment of the second-row right side airbag.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0038 in a Buick?

- The code B0038 in a Buick is typically caused by a malfunction in the Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control module, wiring issues, or a faulty airbag sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0038 in my Buick?

- Diagnosis of OBDII code B0038 involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connections related to the second-row right side airbag, and testing the airbag deployment control module.

4. Can I continue driving my Buick with OBDII code B0038 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag fault code like B0038, as it may result in the airbag system not deploying correctly in the event of an accident.

5. What is the typical repair process for resolving OBDII code B0038 in a Buick?

- The repair process usually involves repairing or replacing damaged wiring, addressing any issues with the Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control module, and clearing the fault code from the vehicle's system.

6. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B0038 in a Buick?

- Yes, there are safety concerns as the airbag system may not function properly in case of an accident if the issue causing the B0038 code is not addressed promptly.

7. Can I reset the OBDII code B0038 in my Buick without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it is crucial to address the root cause of the problem to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system and overall safety of the vehicle.

8. How do I prevent OBDII code B0038 from occurring in my Buick in the future?

- Regular maintenance and inspection of the airbag system, prompt addressing of any warning lights related to the airbags, and careful handling of the vehicle's interior components can help prevent the recurrence of OBDII code B0038.

9. Is it possible to repair OBDII code B0038 in a Buick at home, or should I seek professional help?

- While basic troubleshooting like checking connections and fuses can be done at home, diagnosing and repairing the root cause of OBDII code B0038 may require specialized tools and expertise, so seeking professional help is advisable.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0038 related to the Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control in a Buick?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B0038 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts replacement, labor costs, and diagnostic fees, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.