AutoCodesGeneric – B0118

B0118 Code - Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit

Quick Answer

The side air bag module squib circuit consists of the air bag sensor assembly and side air bag module. Common causes include Faulty Left-Side Air Bag Module, Left-Side Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted, Left-Side Air Bag Module 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
B0118 indicates Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Left-Side Air Bag Module, Left-Side Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted, Left-Side Air Bag Module 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 1,704
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code B0118 Description

The side air bag module squib circuit consists of the air bag sensor assembly and side air bag module. The squib circuit causes the side air bag to deploy when deployment conditions are satisfied. The Air Bag Control Module monitors the Left-Side Air Bag Module. The Air Bag Control Module sets the OBDII code when the Left-Side Air Bag Module is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code B0118 - Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B0118 Code - Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0118?

  • Faulty Left-Side Air Bag Module
  • Left-Side Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted
  • Left-Side Air Bag Module circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Air Bag Control Module

How to Fix the DTC B0118?

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 B0118 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 B0118 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0118 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0118 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • B0118 Lexus — Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit
  • B0118 Scion — Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit
  • B0118 Toyota — Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit

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 B0118 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0118?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light on the dashboard illuminating, loss of power to the left-side airbag, and potential non-deployment of the airbag in a collision.

2. What does the OBDII code B0118 indicate?

- OBDII code B0118 indicates a Short To Positive In Left-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit, suggesting a wiring issue in the left-side airbag module.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0118?

- Potential causes include damaged wiring in the left-side airbag circuit, a faulty airbag module squib, a short circuit to positive in the circuit, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0118?

- Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring harness and connectors in the left-side airbag circuit, testing the airbag module squib, and verifying the airbag control module's functionality.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code B0118?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag fault code like B0118, as it may compromise the safety of the airbag system in the event of a collision.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0118?

- Repairing OBDII code B0118 involves repairing or replacing damaged wiring in the left-side airbag circuit, replacing the faulty airbag module squib if necessary, and clearing the fault code with a scan tool after repairs are completed.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0118 without fixing the underlying issue?

- It is not safe to simply reset the code without addressing the root cause, as the airbag system may still be compromised and fail to deploy properly in an accident.

8. Are there any safety precautions to consider when working on OBDII code B0118?

- Ensure the vehicle's battery is disconnected before working on the airbag system, follow proper safety procedures outlined in the vehicle's service manual, and consider seeking professional help if unsure.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0118?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B0118 can vary depending on the extent of the damage, the parts needed for replacement, and whether professional labor is required. It is advisable to get a few quotes from reputable auto repair shops.

10. Can OBDII code B0118 be prevented in the future?

- Regular maintenance checks, avoiding water damage to the airbag system, and promptly addressing any warning lights related to the airbag system can help prevent OBDII code B0118 from occurring.

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