B003C

Code

Generic B — Body

Airbag squib circuit open/high resistance

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 5 EN: 12 RU: 8

AI status

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open circuit in squib wiring (broken conductor, cut wire)
Corroded, loose or damaged connector or terminal
Poor crimp or intermittent connection at repairs or aftermarket installations
High resistance due to damaged conductor insulation or corrosion
Faulty airbag module, inflator or seatbelt pretensioner (internal resistance out of spec)
Faulty or poorly grounded SRS control unit connection

Symptoms

SRS/airbag warning lamp illuminated or flashing
DTC B003C stored in SRS control module (may be accompanied by related airbag codes)
Passenger/driver airbag or pretensioner may be disabled by the SRS unit
Possible diagnostic trouble messages via scan tool
No obvious mechanical symptoms until deployment event

What to check

Read SRS module with a capable scan tool; record freeze-frame and any related codes
Visually inspect wiring harness, connectors, and clips along the circuit path (seats, B‑pillar, door hinges)
Inspect connector terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-out terminals
Check vehicle history for prior deployment and repairs to SRS components
Confirm correct vehicle grounding and battery voltage prior to testing

Signal parameters

Squib continuity: expected low resistance in most systems (typical range commonly around 0.5–5 Ω but consult OEM spec)
Open circuit: infinite resistance (OL) between squib pins
High resistance: measured value above manufacturer threshold (causes DTC)
SRS control unit fault flags/uid: module will set status indicating open/high resistance on the specific circuit

Diagnostic algorithm

Follow OEM SRS safety procedure first: disable battery negative and observe manufacturer wait time to de-energize the system before touching connectors (consult service manual).
Use scan tool to confirm B003C and note any related codes and freeze-frame data.
Visually inspect the airbag module/pretensioner connectors and harness routing for damage, corrosion, or signs of prior repair.
Identify the affected circuit using vehicle wiring diagram and connector pinouts from the service manual.
With SRS power disabled, measure resistance across the squib connector at the component and compare to OEM specification. Do NOT apply voltage to attempt deployment.
Measure continuity between the squib connector and the SRS module connector to detect opens; perform a wiggle test while monitoring continuity to find intermittent faults.
Inspect/repair/replace corroded terminals, damaged wiring, or broken connectors. Repair wiring using approved methods (crimp/solder with insulation and strain relief per OEM guidance).
If wiring and connectors are within spec, replace the squib/inflator or pretensioner assembly as required and re-measure.
Reconnect following safe procedures, clear codes with scan tool and verify that SRS lamp extinguishes and code does not return. If present, perform any required module coding or initialization per OEM instructions.

Likely causes

Damaged/loose connector at airbag module or pretensioner
Corrosion or bent terminal at squib connector
Wire break in harness near seat or door hinge (common movement points)
Failed squib/inflator element after age or prior event

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Airbag squib circuit open/high resistance detected. Affected deployment circuit may be disabled. Inspect squib, wiring harness and connectors; repair or replace faulty components and clear the code.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-3.0 hours