AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1

Quick Answer

During a frontal crash of sufficient force, the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the steering wheel air bag. Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag, Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag Coil, Steering Wheel Air Bag harness is open or shorted. 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: B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag, Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag Coil, Steering Wheel Air Bag harness is open or shorted.
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 641

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 Oct 05, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Description

During a frontal crash of sufficient force, the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the steering wheel air bag. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. There are two shorting bars used within the steering wheel air bag coil connector which will short together both steering wheel air bag stage 1 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 1 low control circuit and both steering wheel air bag stage 2 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 2 low control circuit when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the steering wheel air bag during servicing.

OBDII Code B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 - AutoCodes.com — B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag
Faulty Steering Wheel Air Bag Coil
Steering Wheel Air Bag harness is open or shorted
Steering Wheel Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

B0012:01 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Short to Battery
B0012:02 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Short to Ground
B0012:04 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open Circuit
B0012:0D Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 High Resistance
B0012:0E Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Low Resistance

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 B0012 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does OBDII code B0012 mean for a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The B0012 code indicates an issue with the Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stageâ€‰1 in the airbag system of the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0012 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and a potential loss of functionality in the driver's airbag.

3. What are possible causes of OBDII code B0012 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Potential causes of the B0012 code can include a faulty airbag deployment loop, a malfunctioning clock spring, wiring issues, or a problem with the airbag control module.

4. How serious is OBDII code B0012 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The B0012 code should be taken seriously as it indicates a potential problem with the driver's airbag system, which could affect its deployment in the event of a collision.

5. Can I continue driving my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0012?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active B0012 code, as it may compromise the proper functioning of the driver's airbag in an accident.

6. How can I diagnose OBDII code B0012 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing the B0012 code typically requires a professional scan tool to retrieve the specific fault codes and further testing of the airbag system components.

7. What are the repair options for OBDII code B0012 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair options may include replacing the faulty airbag deployment loop, addressing wiring issues, fixing the clock spring, or recalibrating the airbag control module.

8. Is it possible to reset OBDII code B0012 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without fixing the root cause will likely result in the code reappearing once the system detects the persistent issue.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B0012 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of repairing the B0012 code can vary depending on the specific issue, parts needed, labor rates, and whether the repair is done at a dealership or an independent mechanic.

10. Can I fix OBDII code B0012 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado myself?

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to address simple wiring issues, dealing with airbag systems can be complex and dangerous. It's recommended to have a professional technician handle repairs related to the airbag system.