B0172

Code

Generic B — Body

Driver airbag circuit open

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 7 EN: 11 RU: 6

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or broken wiring in the driver airbag circuit
Disconnected or loose connector at the steering wheel or ACU
Faulty clockspring (spiral cable) in the steering column
Corroded or damaged connector pins
Blown SRS fuse or loss of power/ground to the airbag circuit
Failed driver airbag (squib) or internal open circuit

Symptoms

SRS/Airbag warning lamp illuminated on instrument cluster
Driver airbag may be disabled (no deployment in a crash)
Possible loss or erratic operation of steering wheel controls (if circuits share clockspring)
Diagnostic trouble code B0172 stored in SRS/airbag control module

What to check

Read and record all SRS codes with a capable scan tool; note freeze-frame if available
Visual inspection of steering wheel, clockspring area, and wiring harness for damage
Inspect connectors at the driver airbag, clockspring, and airbag control module for corrosion, bent pins, or disconnection
Verify SRS fuses and relays and check battery voltage at time of test
Measure resistance (ohms) of the driver airbag squib at the steering wheel connector
Check continuity between the ACU driver-airbag pin and the steering wheel connector while gently moving the steering column (wiggle test)

Signal parameters

Expected driver-airbag squib resistance: typically ~2–5 ohms (manufacturer specific). Open circuit = OL/infinite ohms
Supply voltage to SRS module: nominal battery voltage ~11–14 V with ignition on
Reference/trigger circuit voltages vary by manufacturer; expect no short to battery or ground on squib leads
Continuity: direct continuity between ACU driver-airbag pin and steering wheel connector pin (near 0 ohms aside from squib resistance)
Intermittent open faults may show normal resistance at rest but open when steering column is moved

Diagnostic algorithm

Safety first: Disable SRS power by disconnecting the negative battery cable and wait the manufacturer-recommended time (commonly 2–10 minutes) before working on the airbag system.
Use a diagnostic scan tool to read and record all SRS/airbag codes and live data; note any related codes (clockspring, passenger airbag, pretensioner).
Visually inspect the steering wheel airbag connector and wiring for damage; remove the driver airbag module only following safety procedures and manufacturer instructions.
Inspect the clockspring (spiral cable) assembly and wiring; check for obvious breaks, pin damage, or signs of previous repairs.
With battery reconnected and safety precautions observed by qualified personnel, measure squib resistance at the steering wheel connector. Compare to manufacturer spec. An open reading indicates a broken squib or connector.
Perform continuity check from the ACU driver-airbag terminal to the steering wheel connector pin. Wiggle the steering column through full lock range while monitoring continuity to detect intermittent opens.
Verify SRS power and ground at the airbag control module. Check fuses and fusible links related to the SRS circuit.
If open is isolated to wiring or clockspring, repair or replace the faulty harness/clockspring. If the squib itself is open, replace the driver airbag module.
After repairs, clear codes with a scan tool and perform diagnostic verification: ensure SRS lamp extinguishes and no B0172 returns under normal steering movement and after cycling ignition.
If the code persists after wiring and component checks, consider module-level diagnostics or replacement per manufacturer service procedures; consult manufacturer wiring diagrams and repair literature.