AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop

Quick Answer

A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in non-volatile memory if a malfunction is detected. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Side Air Bag, Passenger Seat Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Side 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: B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Side Air Bag, Passenger Seat Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Side 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 608

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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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 B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Description

A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in non-volatile memory if a malfunction is detected. 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 the passenger seat side 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. A shorting bar is used within the passenger seat side air bag connector which will short together both high and low circuits when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag during servicing.

OBDII Code B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop - AutoCodes.com — B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

How to Fix the DTC B0021 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

B0021:01 Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Battery
B0021:02 Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Short to Ground
B0021:04 Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Open
B0021:0D Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop High Resistance
B0021:0E Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop Low Resistance

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0021 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 B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0021 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 B0021 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code B0021 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado mean?

The B0021 code indicates a problem with the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop.

2. What are the common symptoms of a B0021 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a potential non-deployment of the passenger side airbag during an accident.

3. What are the possible causes of a B0021 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Possible causes include a faulty passenger seat side airbag deployment loop, damaged wiring or connectors, or a problem with the airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose a B0021 code in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosis usually involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connectors associated with the passenger seat side airbag, and testing the airbag deployment loop for continuity.

5. Can I still drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with a B0021 code?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag fault code as it may compromise the safety of the passenger in the event of a collision.

6. How can I repair a B0021 code in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair typically involves addressing the root cause of the issue, which may include replacing the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop, repairing damaged wiring, or resetting the airbag control module.

7. Is it safe to reset the B0021 code in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without fixing the underlying problem may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it won't address the safety risk posed by a malfunctioning passenger side airbag.

8. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B0021 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

It's advisable to check with a Chevrolet dealership or the manufacturer's website to see if there are any recalls or bulletins related to the B0021 code for your specific vehicle.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair a B0021 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve parts and labor expenses ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast fix a B0021 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

While some basic diagnosis and inspection can be done by a DIY enthusiast, repairing the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop or related components may require specialized tools and expertise best handled by a professional mechanic.