Open or damaged clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering wheel, which carries the left frontal airbag circuits; Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the left frontal airbag module or at the airbag control module; Broken or chafed wire in the left frontal airbag deployment loop, often from steering column movement or collision repair; Failed left frontal airbag module with an open second-stage squib; Water intrusion or corrosion in a connector or wiring harness in the left front kick panel or under the dash; Faulty airbag control module (less common, but possible if the internal deployment driver circuit is open)

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0026

B0026Left Side Deployment Stage 2 Loop Open

Q: What does code B0026 mean?

Left Side Deployment Stage 2 Loop Open. B0026 means the airbag control module has detected an open circuit in the second deployment loop for the left-side frontal airbag, which is the circuit that fires the second stage of the inflator in a staged deployment. The module monitors the loop's resistance and sees it as electrically open, so it disables that stage and turns on the airbag warning light.

B0026 means the airbag control module has detected an open circuit in the second deployment loop for the left-side frontal airbag, which is the circuit that fires the second stage of the inflator in a staged deployment. The module monitors the loop's resistance and sees it as electrically open, so it disables that stage and turns on the airbag warning light.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

Airbag or supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light illuminated on the dashboard
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the vehicle driving normally
Airbag system may be disabled or degraded, so the left frontal airbag may not deploy in a crash
In some vehicles, a message on the driver information center stating the airbag system needs service
No noticeable change in engine performance or drivability because this is a restraint system fault

Common causes, most likely first

Open or damaged clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering wheel, which carries the left frontal airbag circuits
Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the left frontal airbag module or at the airbag control module
Broken or chafed wire in the left frontal airbag deployment loop, often from steering column movement or collision repair
Failed left frontal airbag module with an open second-stage squib
Water intrusion or corrosion in a connector or wiring harness in the left front kick panel or under the dash
Faulty airbag control module (less common, but possible if the internal deployment driver circuit is open)

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool that can read SRS codes and confirm B0026 is current, then record any related codes before clearing anything
Inspect the left frontal airbag connectors at the steering wheel and at the airbag control module for looseness, corrosion, or pushed-out terminals
Check the clock spring for continuity and damage, especially if the steering wheel has been removed or the horn or cruise control has intermittent faults
Measure resistance of the left frontal airbag second-stage loop at the airbag control module connector and compare with the manufacturer's specification
Perform a wiggle test on the left front airbag harness while watching live deployment loop resistance data to catch an intermittent open
Repair or replace the faulty clock spring, airbag module, or wiring section, then clear codes and verify the loop reads normal resistance
After repair, confirm the SRS warning light goes out and no codes return after a road test over rough surfaces

Clock spring and connector traps on B0026

A clock spring that fails only at certain steering wheel angles can set B0026 intermittently, so the code may not return until the wheel is turned near full lock during a test drive.
Many technicians replace the left frontal airbag module first, but a corroded connector pin at the airbag control module is a more common cause of an open second-stage loop on high-mileage vehicles.
B0026 does not always mean the airbag itself is bad, because the open can be in the vehicle harness or the clock spring, and the airbag squib may test good when measured directly.
After any collision repair, pinched or stretched wiring behind the left front dash or in the steering column is a frequent source of this code that visual inspection alone can miss.
Never use a standard ohmmeter on an airbag squib circuit without first disconnecting the airbag module and following the manufacturer's safety procedure, because stray current can deploy the airbag.

Can I keep driving with B0026?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive because the airbag warning light does not affect steering, braking, or engine operation, but the left frontal airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. Avoid hard impacts and have the fault diagnosed promptly, and do not attempt airbag circuit repairs without proper training and safety procedures.

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.