B0020 Airbag firing circuit fault, usually the driver-side seat airbag (varies by maker)

Airbag deployment loop (squib circuit) fault

B0020 in short

B0020 means the airbag computer found a fault in one airbag's firing circuit, such as an open circuit or high resistance. Which airbag depends on the maker: Honda, Acura, Chrysler and Jeep use it for the driver's side airbag. That airbag may not deploy, so have it checked soon and never probe the wiring yourself.

Each airbag has a firing circuit, called a deployment loop or squib circuit. The airbag computer keeps checking its resistance and watches for opens and shorts. If a reading falls outside its limits, it stores a code and turns on the airbag light.

Makers do not all use B0020 for the same airbag. Honda and Acura use B0020-13 for an open or high resistance in the driver's side airbag inflator, and Chrysler and Jeep use it for an open in the left side seat airbag circuit. GM service information for the Saab 9-4X uses it for stage 2 of the passenger dashboard airbag.

Side airbag wiring runs through connectors in the front seats. Chrysler's bulletin for some 200 and Cherokee models adds a jumper harness in the seats, and GM traced intermittent codes to loose, missing or broken connector locks at the airbag. Only a trained technician should work on these circuits.

Most likely causes

  1. Poor connection in the side airbag wiring in the front seat

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Chrysler's bulletin for B0020-13 and B0028-13 on some 200 and Cherokee models inspects the front seat wiring and installs a jumper harness if needed.
    What would change this
    Rises on a Chrysler 200 or Jeep Cherokee covered by the bulletin, or if the light comes and goes as the seat is moved. Falls if the seat connections test good.

  2. Loose, missing or broken connector lock at the airbag

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's bulletin links intermittent airbag lamps with B0020 and related codes to a loose, missing or broken connector position assurance (CPA) lock at the airbag, and GM service information names poorly installed connectors as a cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code is intermittent and a technician finds a connector lock not fully seated. Falls if all connectors and locks are secure.

  3. Fault in the airbag inflator or its circuit itself

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Honda asked dealers to collect parts from some 2018–2020 Accords, 2019–2020 CR-Vs and 2015 TLXs with B0020-13 before attempting any repair, to understand the cause. It did not publish a cause, so this stays a possibility to test.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connections are sound and the fault stays current. Falls if a connector or harness fault is found.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Have the airbag codes read with a scan tool that shows the number after B0020 (for example -13), and note any other airbag codes.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with airbag (SRS) access

  2. Give your VIN to a dealer and ask for any bulletin or recall on the airbag system.

    Low risk

    • IfA bulletin applies

      It meansThe dealer follows it.

      Go to step 3

    • IfNothing applies

      It meansThe service manual diagnosis is next.

      Go to step 3

  3. Have a trained technician follow the service manual's deployment loop diagnosis, which starts with the connectors and their locks.

    Best left to a shopTool: maker's diagnostic tool and service information

    Warning:Never probe airbag connectors or wiring with a test light or meter, and never unplug them yourself. Nissan warns that airbags and pretensioners can still deploy after the ignition is off, and that test equipment must not be used on airbag circuits unless the service manual calls for it. Leave this to a dealer or trained technician.

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning light stays on
  • Airbag warning light comes and goes

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Airbag connectors and seat harness:The bulletins we found check connectors, connector locks and seat wiring before any airbag part. Airbag parts must be handled by a trained technician. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2018–2020 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda asked dealers to collect parts from cars with B0020-13 before repairing them. Take it to a Honda dealer rather than an independent shop. Whether this request is still active is not verified.

  • 2019–2020 · CR-V

    Supported by vehicle data

    Covered by the same Honda dealer request for B0020-13. Whether it is still active is not verified.

  • APaS01062021906Status unverified

    Dealer message: SRS light with B0020-13 or B0028-13

    2018–2020accord, cr-v · issued · NHTSA 10185468

    Honda asked dealers to contact it and collect parts before attempting any repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

  • 2015 · TLX

    Supported by vehicle data

    Acura asked dealers to collect parts from cars with B0020-13 before repairing them. Whether this request is still active is not verified.

  • BPaS03042019901Status unverified

    Dealer message: SRS light with B0020-13 or B0028-13

    2015tlx · issued · NHTSA 10154479

    Acura asked dealers to contact it and collect parts before attempting any repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chrysler

  • 2015–2017 · 200

    Supported by vehicle data

    Chrysler's bulletin inspects the front seat wiring and adds a jumper harness for B0020-13. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 10-001-20Status unverified

    Airbag warning lamp with B0028-13 and B0020-13

    2015–2017200 · issued · NHTSA 10183086

    Inspect the front seat side airbag wiring and install a jumper harness if needed. Also covers the Jeep Cherokee.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Jeep

  • 2014–2017 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    The same Chrysler bulletin covers the Cherokee: front seat wiring inspection and a jumper harness for B0020-13. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 10-001-20Status unverified

    Airbag warning lamp with B0028-13 and B0020-13

    2015–2017200 · issued · NHTSA 10183086

    Inspect the front seat side airbag wiring and install a jumper harness if needed. Also covers the Jeep Cherokee.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • B0111Side airbag firing circuit open (Toyota, Lexus)

    Same system Common general cause

    B0111 is Toyota's and Lexus's code for an open side airbag squib circuit. Chrysler and Jeep use B0020 for the left side seat airbag circuit, and both bulletins repair wiring in that circuit.

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

B0020 questions

Which airbag does B0020 refer to?

It depends on the maker. Honda, Acura, Chrysler and Jeep use it for the driver's side (seat) airbag; GM service information uses it for the passenger dashboard airbag. A dealer scan tool shows which circuit.

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. DTC B0019 or B0020: 2011 Saab 9-4X workshop information — Saab Automobile / General Motors
  4. 10-001-20: airbag warning lamp with B0028-13 and B0020-13; inspect and install front seat jumper harness — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  5. SB-08-09-41-002C: intermittent SIR lamp with B0012–B0044 codes, possibly a loose, missing or broken connector position assurance retainer — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  6. Dealer message: 2018–2020 Accord and 2019–2020 CR-V with SRS light and DTC B0020-13 or B0028-13 — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  7. Dealer message: 2015 TLX with SRS light and DTC B0020-13 or B0028-13 — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  8. Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems: damage analysis and repair using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (TechNews, Summer 2016) — Nissan North America ,
  9. T-SB-0069-12 Rev: SRS lamp on with B0111 and/or B0116; repair the floor harness and side airbag squib circuit (Sienna) — Toyota Motor Sales / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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