AutoCodes – GMC – B0020 GMC

B0020 GMC Code - Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2

Quick Answer

During a side or 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 an air bag or pretensioner. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag, Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag 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: B0020 GMC indicates Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag, Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag 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 7,665

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 09, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0020 GMC Description

During a side or 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 an air bag or pretensioner. There are 2 shorting bars that will short together control circuits when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag or pretensioner during servicing.

OBDII Code B0020 GMC - Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 - AutoCodes.com — B0020 GMC Code - Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0020 GMC?

Faulty Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag
Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag harness is open or shorted
Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0020 GMC?

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

B0020:01 Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Battery
B0020:02 Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground
B0020:04 Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Open
B0020:0D Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 High Resistance
B0020:0E Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Low Resistance

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0020 GMC 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 B0020 GMC code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0020 GMC code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0020 GMC code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific GMC Models

B0020 2014 GMC Sierra — Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0020 2015 GMC Sierra — Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0020 2016 GMC Sierra — Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0020 2017 GMC Sierra — Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2
B0020 2018 GMC Sierra — Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag 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 B0020 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0020 GMC?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, potential loss of airbag functionality, and a stored B0020 fault code in the vehicle's computer system.

2. What does the B0020 GMC code mean?

The B0020 code specifically refers to a problem with the Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2, indicating a potential issue with the airbag system on the passenger side of the vehicle.

3. What are the possible causes of B0020 GMC code?

Potential causes of the B0020 code include faulty wiring connections, damaged wiring harness, issues with the airbag module, or a malfunctioning passenger airbag deployment loop.

4. How can I diagnose the B0020 GMC code?

Diagnosing the B0020 code typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connections related to the passenger airbag system, and conducting further tests as needed.

5. Is it safe to drive with the B0020 GMC code present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the B0020 code active, as it indicates a potential problem with the passenger airbag system, which could compromise occupant safety in the event of a collision.

6. Can I reset the B0020 GMC code myself?

While you can clear the B0020 code with an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the underlying issue causing the fault code to prevent it from reoccurring and ensure the proper functioning of the passenger airbag system.

7. How much does it cost to repair the B0020 GMC code?

The cost of repairing the B0020 code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and cost estimate.

8. Are there any DIY repair tips for the B0020 GMC code?

DIY repair for the B0020 code may involve checking and securing wiring connections, inspecting for visible damage to the wiring harness, and testing the components of the passenger airbag system carefully.

9. Will the B0020 GMC code affect vehicle performance?

The B0020 code itself may not directly impact vehicle performance, but it signifies a safety concern related to the passenger airbag system that should be addressed promptly to ensure proper functionality.

10. How long does it take to fix the B0020 GMC code?

The repair time for the B0020 code can vary based on the cause of the issue and the complexity of the repair needed. Simple fixes like reconnecting loose wiring may take less time, while more extensive repairs could require additional labor.