AutoCodes – Cadillac – B0038 Cadillac

B0038 Cadillac Code - Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control

Quick Answer

When the ignition switch is turned to RUN position, Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical internal malfunctions. Common causes include Faulty Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag, Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Second Row Right Frontal 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: B0038 Cadillac indicates Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag, Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Second Row Right Frontal 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 1,489

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B0038 Cadillac Description

When the ignition switch is turned to RUN position, Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical internal malfunctions. SDM then performs deployment loop voltage out of range test and deployment loop resistance measurement test. If voltage out of range test detects a short to voltage condition, the resistance measurement test will not be performed.

OBDII Code B0038 Cadillac - Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control - AutoCodes.com — B0038 Cadillac Code - Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0038 Cadillac?

Faulty Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag
Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag harness is open or shorted
Second Row Right Frontal Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0038 Cadillac?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0038 Cadillac 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 B0038 Cadillac code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0038 Cadillac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0038 Cadillac 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 B0038 Cadillac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac related to the Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B0038 being stored in the vehicle's computer system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac?

Possible causes of code B0038 in a Cadillac include a faulty second-row right side airbag deployment control module, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning airbag sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0038 in my Cadillac?

Diagnosing code B0038 typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific DTC, inspecting the wiring and connections related to the second-row right side airbag, and testing the airbag module for proper functionality.

4. Can I drive my Cadillac with OBDII code B0038 present?

It is not recommended to drive your Cadillac with the OBDII code B0038 present, as it indicates a potential issue with the second-row right side airbag deployment control system, which could affect the proper functioning of the airbag in case of an accident.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B0038 in my Cadillac?

Repairing OBDII code B0038 may involve replacing the faulty second-row right side airbag deployment control module, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the DTC from the vehicle's computer system.

6. Is it necessary to reset the airbag system after repairing OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac?

Yes, it is important to reset the airbag system after repairing OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac to ensure that the system is properly calibrated and functioning correctly.

7. Are there any safety precautions to take when working on the airbag system related to OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac?

When working on the airbag system related to OBDII code B0038, always disconnect the vehicle's battery, wait for the capacitors to discharge, and handle airbag components with care to avoid accidental deployment.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac, or is it recommended to seek professional help?

While some basic diagnostics and repairs can be done by a knowledgeable DIY enthusiast, dealing with the airbag system and OBDII codes like B0038 often requires specialized tools and expertise, so it is generally recommended to seek professional help.

9. Will OBDII code B0038 cause the airbags in my Cadillac to deploy unexpectedly?

OBDII code B0038 itself will not cause the airbags to deploy unexpectedly, but it indicates a potential issue with the second-row right side airbag deployment control system that could affect the airbag's proper deployment in case of a collision.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac?

The time it takes to repair OBDII code B0038 in a Cadillac can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, availability of parts, and the expertise of the technician. It may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and repair the problem.