Body, generic

B0012 Passenger Frontal Stage 3 Deployment Control

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

In the J2012 order B0012 is the third element of the front passenger airbag. Mercedes-Benz uses B001213 for the squib of the vent valve in that airbag, and Mitsubishi lists B0012 as passenger airbag module 3. GM gives the number a different meaning. Its later sensing and diagnostic modules assign B0012 to stage 1 of the steering wheel airbag; the Saab 9-4X 2011 manual trips it after two seconds of contact with supply or ground, an open, more than 4.4 ohms or less than 1.7 ohms; GM bulletins link it to chafed coil wires on the 2009 Cobalt and to weak terminal tension at the coil connector on the 2015 CTS. Older Saab 9-3 modules used B0012 for low resistance in the passenger stage 2 loop. Read the code with the maker's tool before choosing which airbag to check.

Likely causes

On GM vehicles weak terminal tension or chafed wires at the steering wheel airbag coil
Open or shorted third squib (vent valve) in the passenger airbag (J2012 meaning)
Restraint control module fault

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning lamp on
  • Depending on maker, passenger airbag venting or GM driver airbag stage 1 affected
  • Safety note: do not probe the airbag circuit yourself; unplug airbag connectors only with the battery disconnected and the stated wait time observed

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,300
Time0.5–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

passenger airbag moduledriver airbag moduleclock springsrs wiringsrs control module

Related codes

B0010B0011B0003

References: static.nhtsa.gov, mitsubishitechinfo.com, saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov.