B1049 Nissan driver airbag module circuit open

B1049 driver air bag module (open)

B1049 in short

On Nissan, B1049 means the airbag computer finds an open circuit in the driver airbag wiring, which runs through the spiral cable (clockspring). Dealers have replaced the spiral cable and sometimes the airbag. The car usually drives, but the driver airbag may not work, so get it inspected soon.

The airbag computer tests the driver airbag circuit with a small current. If the circuit is broken, it stores B1049 and lights the airbag warning light.

The circuit passes through the spiral cable behind the steering wheel, which flexes every time you turn. A worn spiral cable is why dealers on the complaints we read replaced it first. One Sentra owner was quoted for both the spiral cable and the driver airbag.

Working near airbag circuits can deploy the airbag, so testing and repair belong with a trained technician.

Pick your make

B1049 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

  1. Spiral cable (clockspring) worn or broken

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The fault circuit runs through it, and a Sentra dealer called for the spiral cable on a B1049 readout.
    What would change this
    Rises if the light comes and goes with steering wheel movement. Falls if the code returns after a new spiral cable.

  2. Driver airbag module or its connector

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    It is the other component on the open circuit; the Sentra quote included the airbag assembly, and the Maxima owner reports the light returning after the code was cleared.
    What would change this
    Rises if the spiral cable tests good. Falls if a replaced airbag does not clear it.

  3. Airbag control unit

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan's repair list for this code ends with the airbag diagnosis sensor unit per the reference page, so it is a last resort.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the wiring, spiral cable and airbag test good.

What to test first

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

  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.

    Best left to a shopTool: SRS-capable scan tool

    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.

    • IfThe code is current as open on the driver airbag circuit

      It meansA shop traces the open through the spiral cable to the driver airbag.

      Points to: Spiral cable (clockspring) worn or broken

    • 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

  • Airbag warning light on, sometimes flashing at start-up
  • Light returns right after the code is cleared

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

Nissan

No curated relationships for B1049 yet.

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

B1049 questions

Is it safe to drive with B1049 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

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems: damage analysis and repair using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (TechNews, Summer 2016) — Nissan North America ,
  4. B1049 Driver Airbag Module Circuit Open (Nissan) — The Automotive Technician (tat.net.au)
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 10896847 (2008 Nissan Sentra) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 10724361 (2007 Nissan Maxima) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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