Body, generic

B0023 Left Side Deployment Stage 1 Loop Short to Ground

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

B0023 does not appear in the J2012 code lists, which jump from B0022 to B0028, and no carmaker documents it as a ground short of a left side airbag stage. It is documented at General Motors with another meaning: in the Saab 9-4X 2011 manual B0023 is the right roof rail (curtain) airbag loop, with bytes for short to battery (01), short to ground (02), open (04) and resistance above 4.2 or below 1.4 ohms (0D, 0E), each confirmed after 2 seconds. GM bulletin 08-09-41-002H lists B0023 among codes caused by unseated connector position locks on many 2005-14 models. A real ground short in a squib loop can stop deployment, so first read which module and descriptor the scan tool reports. Airbag lamp on.

Likely causes

Connector position assurance not engaged, so shorting bars bridge the loop (GM 08-09-41-002H)
Chafed lead touching body ground
Internal fault in the affected airbag module

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning lamp on
  • The airbag on the affected loop may not deploy
  • 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€80–900
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

driver side airbagsrs seat wiringsrs control module

Related codes

B0020B0021B0016

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