AutoCodes – Generic – B1346

B1346 Code - Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High

Quick Answer

When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will perform turn-on test to diagnose critical malfunctions within SDM itself. Common causes include Faulty Driver Front Airbag, Driver Front Airbag harness is open or shorted, Driver Front 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: B1346 indicates Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Front Airbag, Driver Front Airbag harness is open or shorted, Driver Front 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 74,008

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

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 Mar 14, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1346 Description

When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will perform turn-on test to diagnose critical malfunctions within SDM itself.
Upon passing these test ignition and deployment loop voltages are measured to ensure that they are within their normal voltage ranges. The SDM monitors the voltages at the driver low and the passenger low to detect shorts to ground or voltage in the deploy loops.
The SDM checks the wiring connection to the driver airbag module by letting the infinitesimal current flow through the internal circuit and verify the resistance.

OBDII Code B1346 - Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High - AutoCodes.com — B1346 Code - Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1346?

Faulty Driver Front Airbag
Driver Front Airbag harness is open or shorted
Driver Front Airbag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Clockspring

How to Fix the DTC B1346?

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 B1346 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 B1346 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1346 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1346 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1346 Buick — Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High
B1346 Cadillac — Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High
B1346 Chevrolet — Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High
B1346 GMC — Driver Front Airbag Resistance Too High
B1346 Hyundai — Driver-Side Air Bag Module First Stage Resistance High
B1346 Infiniti — Front Door Satellite Sensor Left Communication Out Specifications
B1346 KIA — Driver-Side Air Bag Module First Stage Resistance High
B1346 Nissan — Front Door Satellite Sensor Left Communication Out Specifications

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 B1346 Code

What does the OBDII code B1346 mean?

The OBDII code B1346 indicates that there is a high resistance issue in the driver front airbag circuit, which can prevent the airbag from deploying properly in the event of a collision.

What are the common symptoms of the B1346 code?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light being illuminated on the dashboard, potential issues with the airbag deploying during a crash, and sometimes other electrical issues related to the airbag system.

What could cause the B1346 code to trigger?

Causes may include faulty airbag connectors, damaged wiring in the airbag circuit, a defective airbag module, or issues with the airbag itself, such as corrosion or wear.

How can I diagnose the issue associated with the B1346 code?

Start by inspecting the airbag wiring and connectors for any visible damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test the resistance in the airbag circuit. Additionally, scan the vehicle for any other related codes.

Can I drive my vehicle with the B1346 code?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with the B1346 code, as the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.

What repairs are needed for the B1346 code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the airbag module, or fixing any faults in the airbag system. A professional diagnosis is often necessary to determine the exact cause.

Will resetting the code fix the problem?

Resetting the code will not fix the underlying issue. It is important to address the root cause of the high resistance in the airbag circuit before clearing the code.

How much will it cost to repair the issue related to the B1346 code?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific cause of the issue, ranging from a simple connector repair to a complete airbag module replacement, potentially costing anywhere from $100 to over $1,000.

Is this issue covered under warranty?

Whether the issue is covered under warranty depends on the vehicle's warranty terms and the vehicle's age and mileage. It's best to check with the dealership or the warranty provider for specific coverage details.