B1C1E

Code

Generic B — Body

Passenger airbag circuit resistance out of range

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 5 EN: 9 RU: 5

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or short in passenger airbag wiring harness
Corroded or loose connector(s) at passenger airbag or SRS module
Failed passenger airbag squib (inflator wiring)
Poor crimp/joint or damaged seat wiring (including seat occupancy/seatbelt harness)
Internal fault in the airbag (SRS) control module or incorrect module calibration
Previous deployment damage or improper repair (bridged/modified wiring)

Symptoms

SRS/Airbag warning lamp illuminated on instrument panel
Passenger airbag may be disabled or the system may show an SRS fault message
Possible loss of airbag deployment for the passenger side in a crash
Some vehicles may set additional related SRS codes (seatbelt pretensioner, occupant sensor)

What to check

Observe and record SRS lamp behavior and any additional stored SRS codes and freeze frame data
Verify battery voltage stable (12 V nominal) before testing; low voltage can affect readings
Visually inspect passenger airbag connector, harness, and seat wiring for damage, corrosion or loose pins
Check connectors at the SRS control module for secure fit and corrosion
Confirm whether vehicle occupancy detection/seat sensors are functioning and connectors intact
Follow safe SRS procedures: disable battery negative, wait specified time (consult service manual) before disconnecting/investing components

Signal parameters

Expected squib resistance: consult OEM specification (typical passenger squib resistance is low — often around 2–3 ohms on many vehicles; verify exact value in service manual)
Open-circuit indication: very high resistance or infinite (no continuity)
High-resistance fault: significantly above OEM spec (example: >10 ohms or as defined by manufacturer)
Short to ground/voltage: unexpected continuity between squib circuit and chassis or battery
Insulation resistance: high (typically >>1 MΩ) between airbag circuit and chassis; consult OEM values

Diagnostic algorithm

Safety first: Disable vehicle ignition, disconnect negative battery cable and wait the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended time for SRS capacitors to discharge. Use proper PPE and follow SRS safety procedures.
Retrieve all SRS-related codes and freeze-frame data with a capable scanner and note any related codes (occupant sensor, pretensioner, module faults).
Visually inspect passenger seat wiring, connectors under the seat, seat track area and passenger airbag connector for damage, corrosion, loose pins or aftermarket modifications.
Reconnect battery, turn ignition to ON (do not start), and with care measure voltage at the SRS module connector pins to confirm proper supply voltage (consult wiring diagram). If low, investigate charging/battery
With ignition OFF and battery disconnected per procedure, disconnect the passenger airbag connector and measure resistance across the airbag squib terminals using a quality ohmmeter. Compare to OEM spec (typical squib = low ohms; see service data).
Measure resistance from each squib terminal to chassis ground to check for unintended shorts. Also check for continuity between the squib circuit and other circuits (shorts).
If high resistance or open is found at the squib, inspect harness continuity back to the SRS module connector; wiggle harness while monitoring resistance/continuity to locate intermittent faults.
If wiring and connectors test good and resistance at the squib is out of range, replace the passenger airbag assembly with an OEM-approved unit and clear codes per service procedure.
If wiring/connector fault found, repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or connectors using correct SRS-grade parts and procedures; ensure proper crimps, seals and routing away from pinch points.
After any repair, reconnect battery, use an appropriate scan tool to clear codes, then perform SRS system self-check and verify that the SRS warning lamp extinguishes and no related faults return. If code returns, escalate to module-level diagnostics or replace SRS module per manufacturer guidance.
If module internal fault is suspected (after harness and component checks), consult OEM procedures for module testing/replacement and required reprogramming/initialization.

Likely causes

Damaged connector terminal or pin pushed out at passenger airbag connector
Wire chafing through to chassis or another circuit (short to ground or battery)
High-resistance joint due to corrosion or poor crimp at a splice
Failed squib (internal short or open) in the passenger airbag
Faulty occupant classification/seat sensor affecting circuit resistance readings