B1481 Driver airbag circuit resistance too high, second stage (Hyundai, Kia)

Driver airbag resistance too high (2nd stage), clock spring

B1481 in short

On Hyundai and Kia, B1481 means the airbag computer measured too much resistance in the second stage of the driver airbag circuit. The airbag light comes on and the driver airbag may not deploy as designed. Bulletins and dealers point to the clock spring. Have it checked soon; never probe airbag wiring yourself.

The driver airbag has two firing stages, and the computer checks each circuit's resistance. B1481 is the second-stage code, and B1346 is the first stage, so they often appear together.

The wiring to the driver airbag passes through the clock spring behind the steering wheel. Kia's bulletin ELE218 replaces the driver airbag clock spring on 2012 to 2013 Rio and 2014 to 2015 Forte and Koup models, and Hyundai owners of Santa Fe, Veracruz and Elantra report dealers blaming the clock spring.

Because the airbag is part of the circuit, a technician may need to check the airbag too before replacing parts.

Pick your make

B1481 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. Driver airbag clock spring

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Kia bulletin ELE218 prescribes a clock spring replacement for B1346/B1481, and three Hyundai complaints quote dealers pointing to the clock spring.
    What would change this
    Rises if the light comes on when turning the wheel. Falls if the resistance is high at the airbag itself.

  2. Driver airbag assembly or its connector

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A Kia and an Elantra dealer say the airbag may need replacing as well, but these are single reports.
    What would change this
    Rises if the clock spring tests good. Falls if a clock spring 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

    • IfB1481 is stored, with or without B1346

      It meansThe second-stage 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 a service bulletin or warranty extension covers this code on your car.

    Low risk

    • IfA bulletin or extension applies

      It meansThe dealer repairs it under the bulletin.

      Go to step 3

    • IfNothing applies

      It meansThe circuit still needs a diagnosis.

      Go to step 3

  3. Leave the diagnosis to a dealer or trained technician, who measures the circuit with the service manual procedure.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with airbag access, manufacturer procedure

    Warning:Airbag wiring can set off an airbag if it is probed, disconnected or powered the wrong way, and that can cause serious injury. Do not test or unplug airbag connectors yourself.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) warning light stays on after the engine starts
  • Airbag light that comes on or goes off as the steering wheel turns

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

  • Driver airbag clock spring:Kia has a bulletin for some models; ask before paying. Dealer 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

  • 2014–2015 · Forte

    Supported by vehicle data

    Kia bulletin ELE218 prescribes a driver airbag clock spring for B1346/B1481 on the Forte and Koup (and 2012-2013 Rio). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB_ELE218Status unverified

    Clockspring replacement for airbag light on, DTC B1346/B1481

    2012–2015forte, forte-koup, rio · issued · NHTSA 10184998

    Replace the driver airbag clock spring on 2012-2013 Rio and 2014-2015 Forte and Koup models that set these codes.

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

Hyundai

  • B1346Driver airbag (first stage) circuit resistance too high (Kia, Hyundai)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Kia bulletin ELE218 covers B1346 (first stage) and B1481 (second stage) together as a clock spring concern.

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: clockspring replacement for airbag warning light on, DTC B1346/B1481 (2012-2013 Rio, 2014-2015 Forte and Koup) — Kia Motors America ,
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 1320380 (2012 Hyundai Elantra) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 1507276 (2008 Hyundai Veracruz) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 998716 (2007 Hyundai Santa Fe) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 1319382 (2009 Kia Optima) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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