AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0021 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

B0021 2018 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 2018 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 548

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 B0021 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop - AutoCodes.com — B0021 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0021 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0021 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0021 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does OBDII code B0021 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado indicate?

The code B0021 relates to a fault in the passenger seat side airbag deployment loop in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0021 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B0021 stored in the vehicle's computer.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0021 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

The code B0021 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty passenger seat side airbag module, damaged wiring, loose connections, or a defective airbag deployment loop.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B0021 in my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing the issue involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific DTC, inspecting the passenger seat side airbag components for damage, and testing the wiring and connections for continuity.

5. Can I continue driving my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0021 present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag fault code, as it may compromise the safety of the passenger side airbag system.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0021 in my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairing the issue may involve replacing the faulty passenger seat side airbag module, repairing damaged wiring, securing loose connections, or addressing any other underlying cause identified during diagnosis.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0021 without fixing the underlying issue in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Resetting the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily clear the warning light, but the issue will likely reoccur, potentially putting the airbag system at risk.

8. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code B0021 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

It is advisable to check with a Chevrolet dealership or the manufacturer to inquire about any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B0021 code in your specific vehicle.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B0021 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

While some basic checks like inspecting wiring and connections can be done by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing complex airbag system issues may require professional expertise to ensure safety and proper function.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0021 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of repairing OBDII code B0021 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, parts needed for replacement, labor costs, and whether the repair is done at a dealership or an independent repair shop.