Damaged or disconnected wiring harness or connector at the passenger knee airbag module.; Faulty passenger knee airbag inflator or module internal resistance out of specification.; Corroded or loose pins in the airbag connector behind the lower passenger dash panel.; Water intrusion or physical damage to the airbag circuit from a prior repair or accident.; Failed passenger presence detection system or occupant classification sensor affecting the circuit.; A malfunctioning SRS control module (less common).

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0015

B0015Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0015 mean?

Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Control. B0015 indicates that the passenger knee airbag deployment control circuit has a fault, meaning the supplemental restraint system (SRS) computer detected an abnormal condition in the wiring, sensor, or inflator circuit for that airbag. The computer monitors resistance and voltage on the circuit and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, which can prevent the knee airbag from deploying in a crash.

B0015 indicates that the passenger knee airbag deployment control circuit has a fault, meaning the supplemental restraint system (SRS) computer detected an abnormal condition in the wiring, sensor, or inflator circuit for that airbag. The computer monitors resistance and voltage on the circuit and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, which can prevent the knee airbag from deploying in a crash.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

The airbag warning light on the dashboard stays illuminated.
A message such as 'Service Airbag' or 'SRS Fault' may appear on the driver information center.
The passenger knee airbag may be disabled, reducing occupant protection in a frontal collision.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with no noticeable change in vehicle operation.
In some vehicles, other airbag-related systems may be disabled as a fail-safe.

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or disconnected wiring harness or connector at the passenger knee airbag module.
Faulty passenger knee airbag inflator or module internal resistance out of specification.
Corroded or loose pins in the airbag connector behind the lower passenger dash panel.
Water intrusion or physical damage to the airbag circuit from a prior repair or accident.
Failed passenger presence detection system or occupant classification sensor affecting the circuit.
A malfunctioning SRS control module (less common).

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool that can read SRS codes and check for any related codes in the restraint system.
Inspect the passenger knee airbag connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins, and repair as needed.
Measure the resistance of the passenger knee airbag squib circuit with a digital multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification.
Check the passenger presence system and occupant classification sensor for proper operation and calibration.
If resistance is out of range, replace the passenger knee airbag module following the manufacturer's procedure.
Clear the code and perform a road test to confirm the repair, ensuring the airbag light does not return.
If the code persists after all checks, diagnose the SRS control module and replace if necessary.

Knee Airbag Circuit Checks Before Replacement

A common oversight is assuming the knee airbag itself is faulty when the real problem is a chafed wire behind the glovebox or lower trim panel.
The passenger knee airbag circuit often shares a connector with the passenger front airbag, so inspect both circuits for intermittent faults.
After any repair, the SRS system requires a scan tool to clear codes and may need calibration of the occupant classification system.
This code does not always mean the airbag will not deploy; it may indicate a circuit fault that could cause a delayed or improper deployment.
Battery disconnection is mandatory before working on airbag circuits to prevent accidental deployment.

Can I keep driving with B0015?

It is not safe to drive with an active B0015 code because the passenger knee airbag may not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician before driving, and avoid carrying passengers in the front seat until fixed.

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.