Damaged or chafed wiring harness at the third row left seat or seatback pivot; Loose, corroded, or unseated electrical connector at the third row left airbag module; Open or shorted clock spring-style ribbon or seat-integrated wiring in the third row left seat; Failed third row left frontal stage 1 airbag squib (inflator assembly); Water intrusion or corrosion in the third row left seat wiring or connector; Internal fault in the airbag control module (less common)

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0041

B0041Third Row Left Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0041 mean?

Third Row Left Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control. B0041 means the airbag control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the third row left frontal airbag, which is the stage 1 squib responsible for the initial, lower-force inflation. The module monitors circuit resistance and continuity and sets this code when the measured value falls outside the expected range, so the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash.

B0041 means the airbag control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the third row left frontal airbag, which is the stage 1 squib responsible for the initial, lower-force inflation. The module monitors circuit resistance and continuity and sets this code when the measured value falls outside the expected range, so the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

Airbag warning light illuminated steadily on the instrument cluster
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning message displayed on the driver information center
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the vehicle driving normally
Airbag system disabled for the third row left frontal stage 1 deployment circuit
In some vehicles, a chime or reminder that the restraint system requires service

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or chafed wiring harness at the third row left seat or seatback pivot
Loose, corroded, or unseated electrical connector at the third row left airbag module
Open or shorted clock spring-style ribbon or seat-integrated wiring in the third row left seat
Failed third row left frontal stage 1 airbag squib (inflator assembly)
Water intrusion or corrosion in the third row left seat wiring or connector
Internal fault in the airbag control module (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record the exact B0041 status and any related SRS codes before clearing anything
Inspect the third row left seat wiring harness and connectors for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins
Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time, then measure resistance across the stage 1 squib circuit at the airbag connector
Compare the measured resistance to the manufacturer's specification and check for shorts to ground or power on each leg of the circuit
Repair or replace the damaged section of harness or connector, then clear the code and verify it does not return
If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good airbag squib or use a simulator to isolate the module from the airbag
Replace the airbag control module only after all wiring and squib tests pass and the fault persists

Third row airbag faults that fool technicians

A common miss is a chafed harness where the third row seat folds or slides, which only shows an open circuit when the seat is in a particular position, so test with the seat moved through its full travel.
The code does not always mean the airbag itself has failed; a corroded connector pin or a pin that has backed out of its housing can set the same resistance fault.
Never measure resistance directly on an airbag squib with a standard ohmmeter unless the manufacturer's procedure explicitly allows it, because the meter's test current can trigger deployment.
After any repair, the airbag module may need a learn or configuration procedure, and some vehicles will keep the light on until the crash data is cleared with a capable scan tool.
A weak or failing battery or a poor ground at the airbag module can cause intermittent deployment circuit codes that disappear after a charging system repair.

Can I keep driving with B0041?

Because this fault can prevent the third row left frontal airbag from deploying correctly in a collision, have it diagnosed promptly and avoid carrying passengers in that seating position until the repair is complete. The vehicle remains driveable, but treat the airbag warning light as a safety system failure rather than a cosmetic issue.

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.