Airbags

B003A — Second Row Right Frontal Airbag Stage 2 Deployment Control Circuit Fault

Severity: high Drive with care, to a shop

What B003A means

The airbag (SRS) control module constantly tests each squib circuit for correct resistance, opens and shorts. B003A means it found a problem in the control circuit for the second stage of the right-side second row frontal airbag. Multi-stage airbags use the second stage to add inflation force in more severe crashes. The subfault label points to a specific condition inside this circuit, and the exact definition varies by manufacturer.

Symptoms

  • Airbag/SRS warning light on or flashing
  • Second row right airbag may not deploy its second stage in a crash
  • B003A stored in the SRS module
  • Light that comes and goes with bumps or temperature changes

Possible causes

  1. Poor contact, corrosion or break in the airbag circuit connector or wiring
  2. Wiring damaged under the seat or in the pillar after seat removal or repairs
  3. Faulty airbag module or stage 2 igniter
  4. Faulty SRS control module
  5. Crash damage, water intrusion or poor body repair

How to diagnose

  1. Read all SRS codes with a scan tool that supports airbags and note the freeze frame data
  2. Ask about recent work such as seat removal or interior repairs
  3. Disconnect the battery and wait the time specified by the manufacturer before touching SRS connectors
  4. Inspect the circuit connectors and harness for damage, moisture and corrosion
  5. Test circuit resistance per service information using approved methods, never probing the squib directly with a standard meter
  6. Check the SRS module power, ground and communication
  7. Clear the code and confirm it does not return

Common fixes

  • Repair or replace damaged wires and connectors in the airbag circuit
  • Replace the faulty airbag module or igniter
  • Replace or reprogram the SRS control module
  • Fix the source of moisture or harness damage

Questions and answers

What does B003A mean?

It is a fault in the control circuit for the second stage of the second row right frontal airbag. The SRS module sees a problem in the wiring, the igniter or its own electronics.

Can I drive with B003A?

The car will run, but crash protection may be incomplete. Do not put off diagnosis, and avoid seating anyone there until it is repaired.

Can I just clear the code?

A scan tool can clear it, but a real fault will bring it back and the airbag stays in doubt. Find and fix the cause first.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.