Open or shorted wiring in the third row right side airbag squib circuit, often due to pinched or chafed harness near seat hinges or cargo area trim; Faulty clock spring or seat belt pretensioner connector if the circuit shares a path with the third row restraints; Defective airbag module or inflator connector at the third row right seating position; Water intrusion or corrosion in the connector or module caused by leaks around the rear quarter panel or liftgate; Restraint control module (RCM) internal fault or corrupted calibration after a low-voltage event; Aftermarket accessories or previous collision repair that disturbed the airbag wiring harness

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0048

B0048Third Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0048 mean?

Third Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control. B0048 indicates that the restraint control module (RCM) has detected a deployment command or circuit fault for the third row right side airbag, which is typically a side curtain or inflatable seat belt designed to protect occupants in that seating position. The module monitors the firing circuit for abnormal resistance or a commanded deployment signal, and it stores this code when the circuit does not match expected parameters during self-test or a crash event.

B0048 indicates that the restraint control module (RCM) has detected a deployment command or circuit fault for the third row right side airbag, which is typically a side curtain or inflatable seat belt designed to protect occupants in that seating position. The module monitors the firing circuit for abnormal resistance or a commanded deployment signal, and it stores this code when the circuit does not match expected parameters during self-test or a crash event.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

Airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Third row right side airbag may be disabled and will not deploy in a collision
Passenger airbag indicator may show 'off' or a fault message for that seating position
In some vehicles, a chime or message center alert reminds the driver of a restraint system fault
If the code sets after a deployment event, the airbag may have already fired and the circuit is now open

Common causes, most likely first

Open or shorted wiring in the third row right side airbag squib circuit, often due to pinched or chafed harness near seat hinges or cargo area trim
Faulty clock spring or seat belt pretensioner connector if the circuit shares a path with the third row restraints
Defective airbag module or inflator connector at the third row right seating position
Water intrusion or corrosion in the connector or module caused by leaks around the rear quarter panel or liftgate
Restraint control module (RCM) internal fault or corrupted calibration after a low-voltage event
Aftermarket accessories or previous collision repair that disturbed the airbag wiring harness

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the third row right side airbag connector and harness for looseness, corrosion, or damage, and reseat the connector firmly
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recall notices specific to the vehicle make and model that address this code
Measure resistance across the airbag squib circuit with a digital multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification, looking for opens or shorts
Perform a wiggle test on the harness while monitoring live data to identify intermittent faults
Verify power and ground at the restraint control module (RCM) and check for stored low-voltage or communication codes that could mimic a circuit fault
If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good airbag module only if the manufacturer allows it, then clear codes and recheck
Replace the faulty airbag module, harness, or RCM as needed, then clear codes and verify the airbag warning light goes out after a complete self-test

What most technicians miss on B0048

A common cause is a pinched harness at the third row seat hinge or cargo area trim, which is often overlooked because the damage is hidden until the seat is folded or cargo shifts.
The code can set intermittently from a loose connector that only loses contact when the vehicle hits a bump or the seat is adjusted, so a static resistance test may pass while the fault is still present.
Low battery voltage or a recent jump-start can cause the RCM to log a false B0048, so always check for related low-voltage codes and clear them before condemning the airbag circuit.
After a collision, this code may indicate the airbag has already deployed and the squib is now an open circuit, which is normal post-deployment but requires module and airbag replacement.
Some vehicles use a shared ground or splice point for multiple airbag circuits, so a fault in a neighbouring circuit can set B0048 even when the third row right airbag itself is fine.

Can I keep driving with B0048?

Because this code disables the third row right side airbag, the vehicle should not be considered safe for carrying passengers in that seat until repaired. You may drive to a repair shop, but avoid carrying occupants in the affected third row position and avoid any collision risk.

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.