Damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the driver's knee airbag module.; Open or shorted wiring in the knee airbag deployment circuit, often due to pinched or chafed harness.; Faulty clock spring or spiral cable if the knee airbag circuit is routed through the steering column (less common).; Internal failure of the driver's knee airbag module itself, such as a defective inflator or shorted squib.; Corrosion or water intrusion in the connector or wiring harness.; Failed restraint control module (airbag control unit) not properly monitoring the circuit.; Aftermarket accessories or previous repairs that disturbed the airbag wiring.

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0014

B0014Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0014 mean?

Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Control. B0014 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the circuit for the driver's knee airbag, which is a supplemental inflatable restraint designed to protect the driver's lower body in a frontal collision. The module monitors the deployment loop for correct resistance and continuity, and it sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range or when a short or open is detected.

B0014 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the circuit for the driver's knee airbag, which is a supplemental inflatable restraint designed to protect the driver's lower body in a frontal collision. The module monitors the deployment loop for correct resistance and continuity, and it sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range or when a short or open is detected.

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 on the driver information center.
The knee airbag may be disabled and will not deploy in a collision.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with no noticeable change in vehicle operation.
In some vehicles, other restraint functions such as seat belt pretensioners may be affected if the fault is in a shared circuit.

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the driver's knee airbag module.
Open or shorted wiring in the knee airbag deployment circuit, often due to pinched or chafed harness.
Faulty clock spring or spiral cable if the knee airbag circuit is routed through the steering column (less common).
Internal failure of the driver's knee airbag module itself, such as a defective inflator or shorted squib.
Corrosion or water intrusion in the connector or wiring harness.
Failed restraint control module (airbag control unit) not properly monitoring the circuit.
Aftermarket accessories or previous repairs that disturbed the airbag wiring.

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool that can read body codes and check for any related codes in the restraint system.
Inspect the driver's knee airbag connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins; reseat the connector if necessary.
Disconnect the battery and wait the recommended time, then use a digital multimeter to measure resistance across the knee airbag squib circuit; compare to manufacturer specifications.
Check for continuity and short-to-ground or short-to-voltage on the wiring between the airbag module and the restraint control module.
If the wiring and connectors are good, substitute a known-good knee airbag module (if possible) to see if the code clears.
If the code persists after replacing the airbag module, diagnose the restraint control module and its programming.
Clear the code and perform a road test to confirm the repair, ensuring the airbag light does not return.

Before you replace the knee airbag

A common mistake is replacing the knee airbag when the real problem is a loose or corroded connector under the driver's seat or at the base of the steering column.
The code can be set by a low battery or charging system issue that causes a momentary voltage drop, so always check battery health and connections first.
After any airbag circuit repair, the restraint control module may need to be reset or reprogrammed, and some vehicles require a dealer-level scan tool to clear the code.
Never use a standard ohmmeter to probe an airbag squib directly; the small current from the meter can trigger deployment, so always use a proper airbag simulator or follow manufacturer procedures.
If the vehicle has been in a flood or had water leaks, the knee airbag circuit may be affected even if the connector looks dry, so inspect the entire harness for hidden corrosion.

Can I keep driving with B0014?

The vehicle remains safe to drive in normal conditions because the airbag system is supplemental, but the knee airbag will not deploy in a crash, reducing occupant protection. Avoid any impact to the driver's knee area and have the fault repaired promptly to restore full restraint function.

Tools that help

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