AutoCodes – Generic – B0013

B0013 Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2

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: B0013 indicates Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2.
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 23,430

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 B0013 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 B0013 - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 - AutoCodes.com — B0013 Code - Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0013?

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 B0013?

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

B0013:01 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Battery
B0013:02 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground
B0013:04 Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Open Circuit
B0013:0D Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 High Resistance
B0013:0E Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Low Resistance

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0013 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 B0013 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0013 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0013 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B0013 Buick — Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0013 Cadillac — Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0013 Chevrolet — Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0013 GMC — Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0013 Pontiac — Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0013 Saturn — Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2

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 B0013 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0013?

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

2. What does the OBDII code B0013 indicate?

- This code, Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2, signifies a problem with the second stage of the driver's steering wheel airbag deployment loop.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0013?

- Possible causes include a faulty steering wheel airbag module, damaged wiring in the airbag system, or a problem with the airbag deployment circuit.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B0013?

- Diagnosis typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, followed by a detailed inspection of the steering wheel airbag components and associated wiring.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B0013 active?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver's steering wheel airbag system, which is a critical safety component.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0013?

- Repairing this code may involve replacing the driver's steering wheel airbag module, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing any issues found in the airbag deployment circuit.

7. Can I reset OBDII code B0013 without fixing the underlying issue?

- It is not advisable to simply reset the code without addressing the underlying problem, as it may compromise the proper functioning of the airbag system in case of an accident.

8. Are there any safety precautions to take when working on OBDII code B0013?

- When working on the airbag system related to this code, always disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait for the capacitors to discharge to prevent accidental airbag deployment.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0013?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it is advisable to budget for the replacement of the steering wheel airbag module and potential wiring repairs.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B0013 at home?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may have the skills to address wiring issues, it is recommended to seek professional help for repairing or replacing the steering wheel airbag module to ensure safety and proper functionality.