Disconnected or loose electrical connector at the knee airbag module; Damaged wiring harness between the airbag control module and the knee airbag, often from chafing or pinching; Corroded or backed-out terminals in the knee airbag connector; Failed knee airbag inflator or module with an internal open circuit; Faulty clock spring or spiral cable if the knee airbag circuit is routed through the steering column (less common); Water intrusion or physical damage to the wiring or connector; Airbag control module internal fault causing a false open-circuit detection

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0061

B0061Knee Airbag Deployment Loop Open

Q: What does code B0061 mean?

Knee Airbag Deployment Loop Open. B0061 means the airbag control module has detected an open circuit in the deployment loop for the knee airbag, which is a supplemental restraint mounted under the dashboard to protect the driver's or passenger's lower legs. The module monitors the loop's resistance and flags this code when the circuit is broken, so the airbag may not deploy in a crash.

B0061 means the airbag control module has detected an open circuit in the deployment loop for the knee airbag, which is a supplemental restraint mounted under the dashboard to protect the driver's or passenger's lower legs. The module monitors the loop's resistance and flags this code when the circuit is broken, so the airbag may not deploy in a crash.

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 the only sign
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning message displayed on the driver information center
Knee airbag may not deploy in a collision, reducing lower-body protection
Other airbag-related codes may be stored if the fault affects shared wiring
No noticeable change in vehicle driveability or handling

Common causes, most likely first

Disconnected or loose electrical connector at the knee airbag module
Damaged wiring harness between the airbag control module and the knee airbag, often from chafing or pinching
Corroded or backed-out terminals in the knee airbag connector
Failed knee airbag inflator or module with an internal open circuit
Faulty clock spring or spiral cable if the knee airbag circuit is routed through the steering column (less common)
Water intrusion or physical damage to the wiring or connector
Airbag control module internal fault causing a false open-circuit detection

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the knee airbag connector under the dashboard for secure engagement and clean terminals; reseat if loose
Disconnect the battery and wait for the backup power to drain, then check continuity and resistance of the knee airbag squib circuit with a digital multimeter
Visually trace the wiring harness from the airbag control module to the knee airbag for chafing, cuts, or pinched sections, repairing as needed
Substitute a known-good knee airbag or a 2-ohm resistor to test the circuit and isolate whether the fault is in the module or the wiring
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recall notices specific to the vehicle make and model that address knee airbag wiring
If wiring and connectors are good, replace the knee airbag module and clear the code
After repair, clear codes and verify the airbag warning light goes out and stays off during a test drive

Knee airbag open circuit traps

A common oversight is forgetting to disconnect the battery and wait for the backup power to deplete before working on airbag circuits, which can cause accidental deployment or new codes.
The code can be set by a poor connection at the airbag control module itself, not just at the knee airbag, so always check both ends of the circuit.
Aftermarket accessories or audio equipment installed under the dash can pinch or damage the knee airbag wiring, leading to this code.
Some vehicles use a single connector for multiple airbags; a fault in one circuit can sometimes trigger related codes, so inspect the entire connector.
A knee airbag open circuit does not always mean the airbag is defective; wiring and connector issues are far more common and should be ruled out first.

Can I keep driving with B0061?

The vehicle remains driveable because the airbag system is supplemental, but the knee airbag will not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of lower-leg injury. Avoid off-road driving or any activity that could further disturb the wiring, and have the fault repaired promptly.

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.