B141C Second-row inflatable seat belt deployment circuit fault (Ford)

Second-row inflatable seat belt circuit fault

B141C in short

On Ford, B141C means the restraints control module found a fault in a second-row inflatable seat belt deployment circuit, so the airbag light comes on. Ford's bulletins for the 2014–2016 Explorer cover it with B141B, and dealers often find wiring connectors under the second-row seat. Have a dealer check it soon; never probe airbag wiring yourself.

Some Fords have inflatable seat belts in the second row: the shoulder belt contains a small airbag that the restraints control module (RCM) fires in a crash. B141C means the RCM found a fault in one of those deployment circuits.

Ford's bulletin 15-0113 and its March 2016 follow-up 16-0001 cover the airbag light with B141C and B141B on Explorers with second-row inflatable belts. Owners report dealers repairing the harness or replacing connectors C3133 and C3134 under the seat. On 2017–2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, Ford's special service messages reprogram the RCM if B141C is stored with certain other codes.

We could not confirm from two sources which side each code covers, so this page does not say. The restraint system is safety-critical; leave diagnosis to a dealer or trained technician.

Pick your make

B141C 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. Second-row inflatable belt harness or connectors (C3133/C3134) under the seat

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford's Explorer bulletins cover B141C, and owners quote dealers repositioning the second-row harness or replacing connectors C3133 and C3134 under TSB 16-0001.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2014–2016 Explorer with second-row inflatable belts. Falls if the connectors were already replaced and the code returns.

  2. Restraints control module software (2017–2018 Fusion and MKZ)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford's special service messages tell dealers to reprogram the RCM on early-build 2017–2018 Fusion and MKZ when B141C is stored with listed codes.
    What would change this
    Rises on an affected Fusion or MKZ built before the dates in the messages. Falls on an Explorer.

What to test first

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

  1. Have the restraint codes read with a scan tool that can talk to the restraints control module, and note every code stored.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with restraints (RCM) access

    • IfB141C is stored on an Explorer, with or without B141B

      It meansFord's second-row belt bulletins apply.

      Go to step 2

    • IfB141C is stored on a 2017–2018 Fusion or MKZ

      It meansFord's RCM reprogramming messages may apply.

      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 a Ford dealer and ask about bulletins 15-0113/16-0001 or the Fusion/MKZ special service messages.

    Low risk

  3. Have a Ford dealer or trained technician run the restraint system diagnosis.

    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

  • Second row inflatable seat belt harness and connectors (C3133/C3134):Part of the restraint system: 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

Ford

  • 2014–2016 · Explorer

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford's bulletins cover B141C with B141B on Explorers with second-row inflatable belts; owners report harness and connector repairs. Whether the bulletins are still current is not verified.

  • 2017–2018 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford's special service messages reprogram the RCM on early builds. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 15-0113Status unverified

    Second-row inflatable seat belts: airbag light with B141B and B141C

    2014–2016explorer · issued · NHTSA 10058235

    Airbag warning light with DTC B141B and B141C on Explorers with second-row inflatable belts.

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

  • 16-0001Status unverified

    Airbag warning light with B141B and/or B141C

    2014–2016explorer · issued · NHTSA 10204987

    March 2016 communication on the airbag light with B141B and/or B141C.

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

  • SSM 46109Status unverified

    2017 Fusion/MKZ airbag lamp

    2017fusion · issued · NHTSA 10090515

    Reprogram the RCM if B141B, B141C or other listed DTCs are stored; vehicles built on or before 18-Aug-2016. Also covers Lincoln MKZ.

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

  • SSM 46901Status unverified

    2017–2018 Fusion/MKZ airbag lamp and/or SYNC 911 Assist message

    2017–2018fusion · issued · NHTSA 10127406

    Check RCM and APIM DTCs on vehicles built on or before 27-Oct-2017. Also covers Lincoln MKZ.

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

  • B141BSecond-row inflatable seat belt deployment circuit fault (Ford)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford's bulletins cover B141C and B141B together for the second-row inflatable seat belts.

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

B141C questions

Is B141C covered by a Ford bulletin?

On 2014–2016 Explorers with second-row inflatable belts, Ford's bulletins 15-0113 and 16-0001 cover it. A Ford dealer can check your VIN for any coverage.

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. Ford 15-0113: second-row inflatable seat belts, airbag warning light with DTC B141B and B141C — Ford Motor Company ,
  4. Ford 16-0001 (monthly communication, March 2016): airbag warning light with DTC B141B and/or B141C — Ford Motor Company ,
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11457099 (2016 Ford Explorer) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11377041 (2016 Ford Explorer) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 11113165 (2015 Ford Explorer) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  8. Ford SSM 46109: 2017 Fusion/MKZ airbag lamp, reprogram RCM if listed DTCs (including B141B, B141C) are stored — Ford Motor Company ,
  9. Ford SSM 46901: 2017-2018 Fusion/MKZ airbag lamp and/or SYNC 911 Assist message, check RCM DTCs — Ford Motor Company ,
  10. Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems: damage analysis and repair using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (TechNews, Summer 2016) — Nissan North America ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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