AutoCodes – Generic – B1B12

B1B12 Code - Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open

Quick Answer

When powered, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) sends a test current to the squibs to verify the integrity of the squib and wiring. Common causes include Faulty Driver Knee Bolster Squib, Driver Knee Bolster Squib harness is open or shorted, Driver Knee Bolster Squib 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: B1B12 indicates Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Knee Bolster Squib, Driver Knee Bolster Squib harness is open or shorted, Driver Knee Bolster Squib 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 2,626

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 Aug 15, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1B12 Description

When powered, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) sends a test current to the squibs to verify the integrity of the squib and wiring. These circuits are maintained in a floating configuration at the module (connected to neither power nor ground) as protection against inadvertent deployment. The use of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Load Tool Adaptor provides a test point as well as a method for opening the shorting bar connections within the harness connector. The ORC Module sends out a 40 mA diagnostic current on each squib voltage supply circuit at power up, and every 500 ms thereafter while the ignition is on.

OBDII Code B1B12 - Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com — B1B12 Code - Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1B12?

Faulty Driver Knee Bolster Squib
Driver Knee Bolster Squib harness is open or shorted
Driver Knee Bolster Squib circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Driver Knee Bolster Airbag
Faulty Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

How to Fix the DTC B1B12?

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 B1B12 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 B1B12 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1B12 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1B12 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1B12 Chrysler — Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open
B1B12 Dodge — Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open
B1B12 Jeep — Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open
B1B12 Mitsubishi — Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open
B1B12 RAM — Driver Knee Bolster Squib Circuit Open

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 B1B12 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B1B12 mean?

The code B1B12 indicates an open circuit in the driver knee bolster squib, which is part of the airbag system designed to protect the driverâ€™s knees in a collision.

2. What are the common symptoms of the B1B12 code?

Symptoms may include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard and the airbag system being disabled or unable to deploy properly.

3. What causes the B1B12 code to appear?

Common causes include damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag system, a faulty knee bolster airbag module, or a malfunctioning clock spring in the steering wheel.

4. Can I drive with the B1B12 code active?

It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it means the airbag system may not function correctly in the event of a collision.

5. How is the B1B12 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the wiring and connectors for damage, and test the airbag module and related components for continuity and proper function.

6. How can I fix the B1B12 code?

Repairs may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring, reconnecting loose connectors, or replacing the knee bolster airbag module if it is defective.

7. Is the B1B12 code covered under warranty?

This depends on your vehicleâ€™s warranty coverage. Airbag systems often have extended warranties, so check with your manufacturer or dealer.

8. What tools are needed to fix the B1B12 code?

Youâ€™ll need an OBDII scan tool, a multimeter for testing continuity, and possibly specialized tools for airbag system repairs, like a clock spring removal tool.

9. How much does it cost to fix the B1B12 code?

Repair costs vary but can range from $100 for minor wiring repairs to $1,000 or more if the airbag module or clock spring requires replacement.

10. Can I reset the B1B12 code without fixing the issue?

You can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, but it will likely return if the underlying issue is not resolved. Additionally, the airbag system may remain disabled.