B1346 Driver airbag (first stage) circuit resistance too high (Kia, Hyundai)

Driver airbag resistance too high, often the clockspring

B1346 in short

On Kia and Hyundai, B1346 means the airbag computer measured too much resistance in the driver's front airbag circuit (first stage). The airbag light comes on and the driver's airbag may not work properly. Kia's bulletin replaces the clockspring on some Rio and Forte models. Have it checked soon; never probe airbag wiring yourself.

The driver's front airbag has firing circuits that the airbag computer measures each time the car starts. B1346 means the first-stage circuit reads too much resistance; Kia lists it with B1481, and dealers have described the two as stages 1 and 2.

The circuit runs through the clockspring, a coiled ribbon behind the steering wheel that lets the wheel turn. Kia's bulletin ELE218 replaces the clockspring for B1346/B1481 on 2012–2013 Rio and 2014–2015 Forte and Forte Koup. Hyundai owners report dealers reading "B1346 driver airbag resistance too high" and replacing the clockspring; one dealer saw the resistance change as the steering wheel was turned.

Only a technician following the service procedure should test or repair the airbag circuit.

Pick your make

B1346 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. Clockspring (driver airbag spiral cable) wear or fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Kia's ELE218 bulletin replaces the clockspring for B1346/B1481, and Hyundai dealer readouts quoted in complaints point to the clockspring, including resistance that changed with steering position.
    What would change this
    Rises on a Rio or Forte covered by ELE218, or if the resistance changes as the wheel turns. Falls if the high resistance is at the airbag module connector.

  2. Driver airbag module connector or terminal fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    GM service information lists corrosion and loose terminals as general causes of high resistance in airbag circuits; not a Kia or Hyundai finding for B1346.
    What would change this
    Rises if the clockspring tests good. Falls if a clockspring replacement clears the code.

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 can talk to the airbag module, and note every code stored.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with airbag (SRS) access

    • IfB1346 is stored, with or without B1481

      It meansThe driver airbag circuit reads high resistance.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOther airbag codes are stored as well

      It meansA technician should work through them in the order the service manual gives.

      Go to step 3

  2. Give your VIN to the dealer and ask whether clockspring bulletin ELE218 (Kia) or any warranty extension covers the car.

    Low risk

    • IfCovered

      It meansThe dealer replaces the clockspring under the bulletin.

      Go to step 3

    • IfNot covered

      It meansThe circuit still needs a diagnosis.

      Go to step 3

  3. Have a dealer or trained technician run the airbag system diagnosis from the service manual.

    Best left to a shopTool: maker's diagnostic tool

    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 after the engine starts

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

  • Clockspring:Kia's ELE218 bulletin covers it on some Rio and Forte models. Dealer or trained-technician work. 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

Kia

  • 2012–2013 · Rio

    Supported by vehicle data

    Kia's ELE218 replaces the clockspring for B1346/B1481. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2014–2015 · Forte

    Supported by vehicle data

    Kia's ELE218 replaces the clockspring for B1346/B1481. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • ELE218 (rev. 1)Status unverified

    Clockspring replacement for airbag warning light on, B1346/B1481

    2012–2015rio, forte, forte-koup · issued · NHTSA 10189271

    Replaces the driver's airbag clockspring on some 2012–2013 Rio and 2014–2015 Forte/Forte Koup; revision of ELE218.

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

Hyundai

  • B0001Driver front airbag first-stage firing circuit fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    On Honda, B0001-13 is the comparable driver airbag first-stage fault (open or increased resistance).

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. Kia TSB ELE218 (rev. 1): clockspring replacement for airbag warning light on, DTC B1346/B1481 — Kia America ,
  4. Kia TSB ELE218: clockspring replacement for airbag warning light on, DTC B1346/B1481 — Kia America ,
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11111963 (2012 Hyundai Elantra) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 10916087 (2011 Hyundai Sonata) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  7. DTC B0014, B0021, B0031 or B0038 (2011 Saab 9-4X workshop manual, airbag/SRS) — General Motors / Saab Automobile
  8. NHTSA complaint ODI 10908403 (2009 Kia Optima) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  9. Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems: damage analysis and repair using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (TechNews, Summer 2016) — Nissan North America ,
  10. Honda dealer message: SRS lamp with DTC 11-1X, 11-2X or B0001-13, replace the driver's airbag module — American Honda Motor Co. ,
  11. NHTSA complaint ODI 11339008 (2015 Honda Civic) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  12. NHTSA complaint ODI 10824072 (2011 Hyundai Sonata) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  13. NHTSA complaint ODI 10198437 (2003 Kia Sorento) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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