B0026: GM frontal airbag deployment loop fault
B0026 frontal deployment loop (GM SIR light)
Severity: Inspect soon
The airbag light means the system found a fault, and owner's manuals say to have it checked promptly because the airbags may not work as designed; this code concerns a frontal airbag deployment circuit.
B0026 in short
On Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, B0026 is a frontal airbag deployment loop fault that turns on the SIR (airbag) light. GM bulletins link it to B0044 and to intermittent wiring or coil faults. The vehicle usually drives, but the airbag may not fire, so have it checked soon.
A deployment loop is the circuit from the airbag computer to an airbag igniter. B0026 is a fault in one of the frontal loops and sets the SIR light.
GM bulletins for 2003-2006 trucks and SUVs list B0026 with B0044 and describe an intermittent SIR lamp. A 2001 Impala owner reports B0026 with B0043 and B0044, and the dealer found the SIR coil module (clockspring) open and replaced it.
Because this is an airbag firing circuit, diagnosis is for a trained technician. The queue listed this code as generic, but the sourced meanings here are GM-specific, so other makes are not covered.
Pick your make
B0026 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: SIR coil module (clockspring) open circuit
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- On the 2001 Impala the dealer found an open circuit in the SIR coil module with B0026, B0043 and B0044 set, and replaced it.
- What would change this
- Rises if B0044 or other left front loop codes are stored. Falls if the code returns after the coil is replaced.
Cause 2: Condition covered by a GM SIR light bulletin
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- GM bulletins 05-09-41-001 and 3249 cover SIR lights with B0026 on 2003-2006 trucks and SUVs; the NHTSA summary does not state the cause or fix.
- What would change this
- Rises if the vehicle is within the bulletin's models and years and a dealer confirms it applies.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Have a shop with an SRS-capable scan tool read the airbag module and note every stored code, current or history, and whether the fault is current.
Warning:Airbag and seat belt pretensioner circuits can deploy if probed or disconnected incorrectly. Only a trained technician following the service manual should test them.
IfB0026 is current, especially with B0044 or B0043
It meansThe frontal deployment loop is open or out of range; a shop checks the SIR coil and the bulletin for your VIN.
IfThe fault does not return after the shop clears it and checks the connectors
It meansThe fault may have been intermittent. Do not assume it is gone; the airbag light should stay off through several drives.
Symptoms
- SIR or airbag light on, sometimes intermittent
- Light fails an emissions or safety inspection
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.
On your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2001 · Impala
Supported by vehicle dataDealer read B0026 as frontal deployment loop stage 1, found the SIR coil open and replaced it.
2003–2006 · Avalanche
Supported by vehicle dataGM bulletins 3249 and 050941001 cover an SIR light with B0026.
2005–2006 · Trailblazer
Possible — needs testingGM bulletin 060941003 covers an SIR light with B0026 among other deployment loop codes. Whether it is still current is not verified.
050941001Status unverified
SIR light on, DTCs B0026 and/or B004x
2003–2006escalade · NHTSA 10013456
Covers an SIR light with B0026 and/or B004x codes, extended to 2003-2006 Chevrolet/GMC full-size pickups and utilities. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
3249Status unverified
Intermittent SIR lamp with B0044 or B0026
2003–2004avalanche · NHTSA 10011592
Intermittent SIR lamp with DTC B0044 or B0026. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
060941003Status unverified
SIR light on, DTCs B0022, B0024, B0026, B0042, B0043, B0044
2005–2006trailblazer · issued · NHTSA 10020824
SIR light on with this list of deployment loop codes. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair. Also listed for GMC Envoy.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
GMCYour car
2005 · Yukon
Possible — needs testingOwner found GM bulletins 050941001 and PIT-4662 while chasing B0026 with several other SIR codes.
2005–2006 · Envoy
Possible — needs testingGM bulletin 060941003 covers an SIR light with B0026 among other deployment loop codes. Whether it is still current is not verified.
060941003Status unverified
SIR light on, DTCs B0022, B0024, B0026, B0042, B0043, B0044
2005–2006trailblazer · issued · NHTSA 10020824
SIR light on with this list of deployment loop codes. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair. Also listed for GMC Envoy.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for B0026 yet.
B0026 questions
Is it safe to drive with B0026 and the airbag light on?
The car usually still drives normally, but manufacturers say the airbags may not work as designed while the light is on. Get it checked soon and do not rely on the airbags until it is.
Sources and review
- 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators
- Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U)
- Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems: damage analysis and repair using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (TechNews, Summer 2016)
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10132430 (2001 Chevrolet Impala)
- GM 05-09-41-001: SIR light on, DTCs B0026 and/or B004x (2003-2006 full-size trucks and utilities)
- GM 3249: intermittent SIR lamp with B0044 or B0026 (2003-2004 Avalanche, Escalade, Yukon)
- GM 06-09-41-003: SIR light on, DTCs B0022, B0024, B0026, B0042-B0044 (2005-2006 Trailblazer, Envoy, Rainier, 9-7X)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error