B1147 Buick Code - Driver Side Air Bag System Malfunction
Quick Answer
When the ignition switch is turned to RUN position, Side Impact Sensing Module (SISM) will perform tests to diagnose critical internal malfunctions. Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Air Bag, Driver Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Driver 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
- B1147 Buick indicates Driver Side Air Bag System Malfunction.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Air Bag, Driver Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted, Driver 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.
Code B1147 Buick Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1147 Buick?
- Faulty Driver Side Air Bag
- Driver Side Air Bag harness is open or shorted
- Driver Side Air Bag circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Side Impact Sensing Module (SISM)
- Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
How to Fix the DTC B1147 Buick?
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 B1147 Buick 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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions about B1147 Buick Code
1. What does the OBDII code B1147 Buick indicate?
Code B1147 in a Buick indicates a malfunction in the driver side airbag system. This fault is detected by the airbag control module when it does not receive the expected information or if there's an issue in the airbag's electrical circuit.
2. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1147 in a Buick?
Symptoms may include the airbag warning light remaining illuminated on the dashboard, and in some cases, the driver side airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.
3. What can cause the B1147 code to appear in a Buick?
Common causes include a faulty driver side airbag, issues with the airbag's wiring harness (like breaks or shorts), a malfunctioning airbag clock spring, or problems with the airbag control module itself.
4. How is the B1147 code diagnosed in a Buick?
Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to read the fault codes from the airbag control module, visually inspecting the airbag system's wiring and connections, and testing components like the driver side airbag and clock spring for proper function.
5. What steps are involved in repairing code B1147 on a Buick?
Repair can involve replacing the faulty driver side airbag, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag system, replacing a faulty clock spring, or, in some cases, replacing or reprogramming the airbag control module.
6. Is it safe to drive a Buick with code B1147 showing?
Driving with this code is not recommended because it indicates a malfunction with the driver's airbag, which may result in the airbag not deploying correctly in a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
7. How urgent is it to address the B1147 code in a Buick?
It is quite urgent to address this code because it pertains to the safety system of the vehicle. Ensuring that the airbag system is functioning correctly should be a priority to protect the driver in case of an accident.
8. Can a faulty battery or alternator trigger the B1147 code in a Buick?
While a faulty battery or alternator can cause various electrical issues in a vehicle, they are unlikely to directly cause the B1147 code. This code is specific to the driver's side airbag circuit, suggesting a more direct issue within the airbag system itself.
9. What tools are needed to diagnose the B1147 code on a Buick?
Diagnosing this code typically requires a professional scan tool capable of interfacing with the vehicle's airbag system, a multimeter for electrical testing, and possibly an oscilloscope to check for detailed signal anomalies.
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