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DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0013

B0013Passenger Knee Bolster Deployment Control

B0013 is a supplemental restraint system (SRS) code indicating that the passenger knee bolster deployment control circuit has a fault. The airbag control module detected an abnormal condition, such as an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power, in the wiring or squib for the passenger knee airbag, and it has disabled that deployment loop.

SystemBody
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyProfessional
AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

  • The airbag warning light on the instrument cluster stays illuminated after the bulb check.
  • A message such as 'Service Airbag' or 'SRS Fault' may appear in the driver information center.
  • The passenger knee airbag will not deploy in a collision, reducing occupant protection.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the vehicle driving normally.
  • Other SRS functions may be inhibited depending on how the module handles the fault.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Damaged or disconnected wiring or connector at the passenger knee bolster airbag squib.
  2. Open circuit in the deployment control wiring between the airbag module and the knee bolster inflator.
  3. Short to ground or short to power in the deployment control circuit.
  4. Faulty passenger knee bolster airbag module (inflator squib out of specification).
  5. Water intrusion or corrosion in a connector or splice in the SRS harness.
  6. Failed or internally faulted airbag control module (less common).
  7. Prior collision damage or improper repair that disturbed the knee bolster circuit.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify the code with a scan tool that can read SRS codes and record any freeze-frame data.
  2. Inspect the passenger knee bolster airbag connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  3. Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time, then check squib resistance at the airbag connector with a digital multimeter.
  4. Check the deployment control circuit for shorts to ground and shorts to power with the module disconnected.
  5. Repair any damaged wiring or connectors and clear the code to see if it returns.
  6. If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good knee bolster airbag or module only after confirming the fault follows the component.
  7. After repair, clear codes and verify the airbag light goes out and stays out through a complete self-test.

What most technicians miss on B0013

  • A poor connection at the passenger knee bolster squib connector is far more common than a failed airbag, so inspect and reseat connectors before condemning parts.
  • The airbag module may set B0013 for a short to ground that only appears when the seat or trim is moved, so wiggle-test the harness while watching live resistance.
  • Some vehicles use a single deployment loop shared with the passenger front airbag, and a fault there can set B0013 even though the knee bolster itself is fine.
  • After any SRS repair, the module may need a learn or configuration procedure; simply clearing the code is not always enough to turn the light off.
  • Never measure squib resistance with the airbag connected or with the battery connected, as this can deploy the airbag or damage the module.

Can I keep driving with B0013?

The vehicle remains drivable, but the passenger knee airbag is disabled and will not deploy in a crash, so have the fault repaired promptly. Avoid rough roads or disturbing the passenger-side trim until the circuit is fixed, and do not attempt repairs on the SRS without proper training.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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