AutoCodes – Generic – B13B3

B13B3 Code - Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) analyzes the deployment loop resistance to determine if a fault exists. Common causes include Faulty Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt harness is open or shorted, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt 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: B13B3 indicates Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt harness is open or shorted, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt 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 1,499

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 Mar 21, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B13B3 Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) analyzes the deployment loop resistance to determine if a fault exists. The value displayed in the Parameter Identification (PID) is the deployment loop resistance measured by the Restraints Control Module (RCM). If the value displayed is lower or higher than the desired range, the Restraints Control Module (RCM) can set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). As the deployment loop resistance drifts farther outside the desired range, the chance for a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) increases. Small variations in resistance can occur due to the effect of road vibrations on terminal fit. Crimps and terminals can be affected by stress and harness movement and can cause an increase in resistance due to wire strain. These variables can result in an intermittent fault. For this reason, the test requires the Parameter Identification (PID) value to be within the desired range before the fault is considered repaired, regardless if the module is reporting an on-demand Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) at the time of diagnosis. Following this direction helps make sure that minor changes in resistance do not create a repeat concern.

OBDII Code B13B3 - Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B13B3 Code - Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B13B3?

Faulty Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt
Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt harness is open or shorted
Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B13B3?

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

B13B3:11 Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Short to Ground
B13B3:12 Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Short to Battery
B13B3:13 Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Open
B13B3:1A Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Resistance Below Threshold

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B13B3 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 B13B3 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B13B3 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B13B3 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B13B3 Ford — Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit
B13B3 Lincoln — Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit
B13B3 Mercury — Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control 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 B13B3 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B13B3 mean?

B13B3 indicates an issue with the Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit, which is part of the vehicle's supplemental restraint system (SRS).

2. What are the common symptoms of a B13B3 code?

Symptoms may include an illuminated airbag warning light, a malfunctioning second-row left inflatable seatbelt, or a notification on the dashboard regarding the SRS system.

3. What causes the B13B3 code to appear?

Common causes include a damaged or disconnected wiring harness, a faulty inflatable seatbelt module, corrosion in the connectors, or a failure in the SRS control module.

4. Is the B13B3 code serious?

Yes, this code is serious because it relates to the vehicle's safety systems. The second-row inflatable seatbelt may not deploy correctly in an accident, increasing the risk of injury.

5. How can I diagnose the B13B3 code?

Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, visually inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, and testing the inflatable seatbelt module for proper operation.

6. Can I drive with the B13B3 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, it is not recommended due to the potential compromise of the seatbeltâ€™s safety features. Have it repaired as soon as possible.

7. How do I fix the B13B3 code?

Repairs may include replacing or repairing damaged wiring, cleaning or reconnecting corroded connectors, or replacing the inflatable seatbelt module if itâ€™s defective.

8. How much does it cost to repair the B13B3 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but can range from $100 for simple wiring repairs to over $500 if the seatbelt module needs replacement.

9. Can I reset the B13B3 code without fixing the problem?

While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it will likely return if the underlying issue isnâ€™t resolved, and the safety system may still be compromised.

10. Do I need professional help to fix the B13B3 code?

Since this code involves safety-critical systems, itâ€™s recommended to have a qualified technician diagnose and repair the issue to ensure proper functionality.