Damaged or disconnected wiring harness at the third-row right seat or pillar; Corroded or loose connector pins at the airbag module or RCM; Open or shorted stage 1 deployment squib inside the third-row right airbag module; Faulty restraint control module (RCM) internal driver circuit; Water intrusion or physical damage to the airbag circuit from cargo or seat movement; Aftermarket accessories or seat covers pinching or chafing the harness; Improperly repaired collision damage affecting the third-row wiring

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0049

B0049Third Row Right Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0049 mean?

Third Row Right Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control. B0049 indicates that the restraint control module (RCM) has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the third-row right frontal stage 1 airbag, which is the first-stage inflator for that seating position. The module monitors circuit resistance and continuity and sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range, disabling that airbag's deployment capability.

B0049 indicates that the restraint control module (RCM) has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the third-row right frontal stage 1 airbag, which is the first-stage inflator for that seating position. The module monitors circuit resistance and continuity and sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range, disabling that airbag's deployment capability.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

Airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster
Often no symptoms besides the warning light
Third-row right airbag may not deploy in a collision
Passenger airbag indicator may show 'off' or fault for that zone
Other restraint system codes may be stored simultaneously
In some vehicles, a chime or message on the driver information center

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or disconnected wiring harness at the third-row right seat or pillar
Corroded or loose connector pins at the airbag module or RCM
Open or shorted stage 1 deployment squib inside the third-row right airbag module
Faulty restraint control module (RCM) internal driver circuit
Water intrusion or physical damage to the airbag circuit from cargo or seat movement
Aftermarket accessories or seat covers pinching or chafing the harness
Improperly repaired collision damage affecting the third-row wiring

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the third-row right airbag connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Disconnect the battery and wait for the system to discharge, then check circuit resistance with a digital multimeter
Substitute a known-good airbag simulator or resistor to isolate the module from the squib
Check for continuity and shorts to ground or power on the stage 1 deployment wires
If wiring and connectors are good, replace the third-row right airbag module
If the fault persists with a simulator, diagnose or replace the restraint control module (RCM)
Clear codes and verify the repair with a scan tool, then confirm no new codes set

Before you replace the third-row airbag

A common oversight is a partially unseated connector under the third-row seat after cargo loading or seat folding, which mimics a failed airbag module.
The code does not always mean the airbag itself is bad; the RCM driver circuit or a chafed wire in the seat frame often causes the same resistance fault.
After any collision repair near the third row, verify that the harness is not pinched between trim panels or seat mechanisms.
Some vehicles require the RCM to be configured or programmed after replacement, and a used module may not work without proper initialization.
Never use a standard ohmmeter on an airbag squib without first disconnecting the battery and waiting the specified time, as accidental deployment can occur.

Can I keep driving with B0049?

The vehicle remains safe to drive in normal conditions, but the third-row right frontal airbag will not deploy in a crash, so have the fault repaired promptly. Avoid carrying passengers in that seat until the repair is completed.

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.