DTC B0012 or B0013

Diagnostic Instructions

 Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic
procedure.
 Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
 Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic
category

DTC Descriptors
DTC B0012 01

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Short to Battery

DTC B0012 02

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Short to Ground

DTC B0012 04

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open

DTC B0012 0D

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 High Resistance

DTC B0012 0E

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Low Resistance

DTC B0013 01

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Battery

DTC B0013 02

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground

DTC B0013 04

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Open

DTC B0013 0D

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 High Resistance
 DTC B0013 0E

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Low Resistance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Short to High Short to Signal
Circuit Ground Resistance Open Voltage Performance
Driver Steering
B0012 02, B0012 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0012 0D B0012 01 —
B0012 0E B0012 0D
1 High Control
Driver Steering
B0012 02, B0012 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0012 0D B0012 01 —
B0012 0E B0012 0D
1 Low Control
Driver Steering
B0013 02, B0013 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0013 0D B0013 01 —
B0013 0E B0013 0D
2 High Control
Driver Steering
B0013 02, B0013 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0013 0D B0013 01 —
B0013 0E B0013 0D
2 Low Control
Circuit/System Description

During a frontal crash of sufficient force the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic
module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy
the steering wheel air bag. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit
continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. There are 2 shorting bars used within the
steering wheel air bag coil connector which will short together both steering wheel air
bag stage 1 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 1 low control circuit and
both steering wheel air bag stage 2 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 2
low control circuit when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent
unwanted deployment of the steering wheel air bag during servicing.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9–16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0012 01 stage 1 or B0013 01 stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop is shorted to voltage for 2 seconds.

B0012 02 stage 1 or B0013 02 stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop is shorted to ground for 2 seconds.
 B0012 04 stage 1 or B0013 04 stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop is open for 2 seconds.

B0012 0D stage 1 or B0013 0D stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop resistance is greater than 4.4 Ω for 2 seconds.

B0012 0E stage 1 or B0013 0E stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop resistance is less than 1.7 Ω for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

 The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module requests the instrument
cluster to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.
 The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will store a DTC, however
if an event occurs the system will still attempt deployment.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

 The condition for setting the DTC is no longer exists.

 A history DTC will clear once 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles have
occurred.

Diagnostic Aid

Note: The following diagnostic aids apply for both current and history DTCs.

A worn steering wheel air bag coil can cause a repeated history DTC to set. To verify this
condition, turn the steering wheel 360 degrees in one direction then back 360 degrees in
the other direction, multiple times, while viewing the scan tool Deployment Loop
Resistance parameters.

An incorrectly installed connector position assurance (CPA) or incorrectly seated

connector can cause a shorting bar to short both control circuits together. Check the
connectors and CPAs if a DTC with symptom byte 02 or 0E is set, to ensure the shorting
bars are not causing the circuits to be shorted together. Shorting bars are used in the
locations listed below:

 Steering wheel air bag assembly

 Steering wheel air bag coil assembly
 Inline harness connectors
 Harness side of the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module connector
 Terminal fretting or incorrectly seated connector can cause an open/high resistance
condition. Check the circuit terminals for fretting or incorrectly seated connector if a
DTC with symptom byte 04 or 0D is set.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

 Circuit Testing
 Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
 Wiring Repairs
 Connector Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

EL-38125-580 Terminal Release Tool Kit

Circuit/System Verification

Note:

 Refer to SIR Service Precautions.

 Inspect all terminals for damage or corrosion when disconnecting connectors.
Damage or corrosion in the following requires repair or replacement of the
affected component/connector.
o Driver steering wheel air bag
o Driver steering wheel air bag coil
o Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
o Air bag wiring harness connector
o Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module wiring harness
connector
  The connector and connector position assurance (CPA) may seat independent of
each other. Both the connector and CPA should seat with an audible and/or tactile
click. The CPA isolates the shorting-bars within the connector allowing the
deployment circuit to operate properly. Replace any CPA that is damaged or
missing.
 If the condition is intermittent or cannot be duplicated, disconnect the connectors
and add dielectric grease / lubricant (Nyogel 760G or equivalent, meeting GM
specification 9986087). This procedure will correct the high resistance condition
due to terminal fretting corrosion.

1. Verify the appropriate scan tool Deployment Loop Resistance parameters stay
consistently between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any spikes or dropouts while turning the
steering wheel 360 degrees in one direction then back 360 degrees in the other
direction.
o If less than 2.1 Ω or greater than 4.0 Ω

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

o If there are spikes or dropouts

Replace the steering wheel air bag coil.

o If between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any spikes or dropouts

2. Verify DTC B0012 or B0013 is only set as a history DTC.
o If the DTC is set as current

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

o If the DTC is set as history

3. Verify the scan tool Deployment Loop Resistance parameters stay consistently
between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any drop outs or spikes while moving the harness near
each connector listed below.
o Steering wheel air bag coil
o Steering wheel air bag.
o Any inline harness connector
o Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
o If the reading is erratic while moving the harness, perform the following
o Inspect each connector terminal for damage or corrosion and repair as
necessary.
o Apply dielectric grease / lubricant (Nyogel 760G or equivalent, meeting
GM specification 9986087) to each connector terminal.
o Ensure each connector and CPA is correctly seated.
o If between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any spikes or dropouts
4. All OK.

Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the scan tool and disconnect the appropriate harness
connector listed below at the steering wheel air bag. It may take up to 2 minutes
for all vehicle systems to power down.
o DTC B0012 connector X1
o DTC B0013 connector X2
2. Test for greater than 25 Ω between the control circuit terminal 1 and the control
circuit terminal 2.
o If 25 Ω or less
2. Disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.

Note: Some connectors may be equipped with shorting bars as a safety

component to prevent accidental inflator deployment. When testing on a
connector with shorting bars, the shorting bars must be disabled to ensure
accurate test results. Insert an appropriate pick from EL-38125-580 and
depress the shorting bars above the appropriate terminals. This will lift the
shorting bar from the terminal and allow accurate test results. Take care
not to damage the connector, shorting bar, or terminal when depressing the
shorting bar.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the two control circuits.

 If less than infinite resistance, repair the short between the two
circuits.
 If infinite resistance, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If greater than 25 Ω
3. Ignition ON.
4. Test for less than 11 V between each control circuit terminal listed below and
ground:
o Control circuit terminal 1
o Control circuit terminal 2
o If 11 V or greater
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable
restraint sensing and diagnostic module, ignition ON.
4. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuit and ground.
 If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
 If less than 1 V, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If less than 11 V
5. Ignition OFF.
6. Test for greater than 25 Ω between each control circuit terminal listed below and
ground:
o Control circuit terminal 1
o Control circuit terminal 2
o If 25 Ω or less
 3. Disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.

Note: Some connectors may be equipped with shorting bars as a safety

component to prevent accidental inflator deployment. When testing on a
connector with shorting bars, the shorting bars must be disabled to ensure
accurate test results. Insert an appropriate pick from EL-38125-580 and
depress the shorting bars above the appropriate terminals. This will lift the
shorting bar from the terminal and allow accurate test results. Take care
not to damage the connector, shorting bar, or terminal when depressing the
shorting bar.

4. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuit and ground.
 If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the
circuit.
 If infinite resistance, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If greater than 25 Ω
7. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 1 and the
control circuit terminal 2, ignition ON.
8. Verify the scan tool Deployment Loop Resistance parameter is consistently less
than 2 Ω while turning the steering wheel 360 degrees in one direction then back
360 degrees in the other direction.
o If the reading is erratic while turning the steering wheel

Replace the steering wheel airbag coil.

o If 2 Ω or greater
2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable
restraint sensing and diagnostic module.
3. Test for less than 2 Ω in the steering wheel airbag coil and each control
circuit end to end.
 If 2 Ω or greater, replace the coil or repair the open/high resistance
in the circuit.
 If less than 2 Ω, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If less than 2 Ω
9. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the steering wheel air bag, press in
the CPA (if equipped) until an audible and/or tactile click is heard.
10. Ignition ON, clear DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running
the DTC.
11. Verify DTC B0012 or B0013 is not set.
o If DTC B0012 or B0013 is set

Replace the steering wheel air bag.

 o If DTC B0012 or B0013 is not set
12. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

 Steering Wheel Airbag Coil Replacement

 Airbag Steering Wheel Module Replacement
 SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs
 Control Module References for inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
replacement, programming and setup

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 1 Low Resistance

DTC B0013 01

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Battery

DTC B0013 02

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground

DTC B0013 04

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Open

DTC B0013 0D

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 High Resistance

DTC B0013 0E

Driver Steering Wheel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Low Resistance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Short to High Short to Signal
Circuit Ground Resistance Open Voltage Performance
Driver Steering
B0012 02, B0012 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0012 0D B0012 01 —
B0012 0E B0012 0D
1 High Control
Driver Steering
B0012 02, B0012 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0012 0D B0012 01 —
B0012 0E B0012 0D
1 Low Control
Driver Steering B0013 02, B0013 0D B0013 04, B0013 01 —
 Short to High Short to Signal
Circuit Ground Resistance Open Voltage Performance
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0013 0E B0013 0D
2 High Control
Driver Steering
B0013 02, B0013 04,
Wheel Air Bag Stage B0013 0D B0013 01 —
B0013 0E B0013 0D
2 Low Control
Circuit/System Description

During a frontal crash of sufficient force the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic
module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy
the steering wheel air bag. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit
continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. There are 2 shorting bars used within the
steering wheel air bag coil connector which will short together both steering wheel air
bag stage 1 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 1 low control circuit and
both steering wheel air bag stage 2 high control circuit and steering wheel air bag stage 2
low control circuit when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent
unwanted deployment of the steering wheel air bag during servicing.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9–16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0012 01 stage 1 or B0013 01 stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop is shorted to voltage for 2 seconds.

B0012 02 stage 1 or B0013 02 stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop is shorted to ground for 2 seconds.

B0012 04 stage 1 or B0013 04 stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop is open for 2 seconds.

B0012 0D stage 1 or B0013 0D stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop resistance is greater than 4.4 Ω for 2 seconds.

B0012 0E stage 1 or B0013 0E stage 2

The steering wheel air bag deployment loop resistance is less than 1.7 Ω for 2 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets

 The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module requests the instrument
cluster to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.
 The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will store a DTC, however
if an event occurs the system will still attempt deployment.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

 The condition for setting the DTC is no longer exists.

 A history DTC will clear once 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles have
occurred.

Diagnostic Aid

Note: The following diagnostic aids apply for both current and history DTCs.

A worn steering wheel air bag coil can cause a repeated history DTC to set. To verify this
condition, turn the steering wheel 360 degrees in one direction then back 360 degrees in
the other direction, multiple times, while viewing the scan tool Deployment Loop
Resistance parameters.

An incorrectly installed connector position assurance (CPA) or incorrectly seated

connector can cause a shorting bar to short both control circuits together. Check the
connectors and CPAs if a DTC with symptom byte 02 or 0E is set, to ensure the shorting
bars are not causing the circuits to be shorted together. Shorting bars are used in the
locations listed below:

 Steering wheel air bag assembly

 Steering wheel air bag coil assembly
 Inline harness connectors
 Harness side of the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module connector

Terminal fretting or incorrectly seated connector can cause an open/high resistance

condition. Check the circuit terminals for fretting or incorrectly seated connector if a
DTC with symptom byte 04 or 0D is set.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

 Description and Operation

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

 Circuit Testing
 Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
 Wiring Repairs
 Connector Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

EL-38125-580 Terminal Release Tool Kit

Circuit/System Verification

Note:

 Refer to SIR Service Precautions.

 Inspect all terminals for damage or corrosion when disconnecting connectors.
Damage or corrosion in the following requires repair or replacement of the
affected component/connector.
o Driver steering wheel air bag
o Driver steering wheel air bag coil
o Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
o Air bag wiring harness connector
o Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module wiring harness
connector
 The connector and connector position assurance (CPA) may seat independent of
each other. Both the connector and CPA should seat with an audible and/or tactile
click. The CPA isolates the shorting-bars within the connector allowing the
deployment circuit to operate properly. Replace any CPA that is damaged or
missing.
 If the condition is intermittent or cannot be duplicated, disconnect the connectors
and add dielectric grease / lubricant (Nyogel 760G or equivalent, meeting GM
specification 9986087). This procedure will correct the high resistance condition
due to terminal fretting corrosion.

1. Verify the appropriate scan tool Deployment Loop Resistance parameters stay
consistently between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any spikes or dropouts while turning the
 steering wheel 360 degrees in one direction then back 360 degrees in the other
direction.
o If less than 2.1 Ω or greater than 4.0 Ω

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

o If there are spikes or dropouts

Replace the steering wheel air bag coil.

o If between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any spikes or dropouts

2. Verify DTC B0012 or B0013 is only set as a history DTC.
o If the DTC is set as current

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

o If the DTC is set as history

3. Verify the scan tool Deployment Loop Resistance parameters stay consistently
between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any drop outs or spikes while moving the harness near
each connector listed below.
o Steering wheel air bag coil
o Steering wheel air bag.
o Any inline harness connector
o Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
o If the reading is erratic while moving the harness, perform the following
o Inspect each connector terminal for damage or corrosion and repair as
necessary.
o Apply dielectric grease / lubricant (Nyogel 760G or equivalent, meeting
GM specification 9986087) to each connector terminal.
o Ensure each connector and CPA is correctly seated.
o If between 2.1–4.0 Ω without any spikes or dropouts
4. All OK.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the scan tool and disconnect the appropriate harness
connector listed below at the steering wheel air bag. It may take up to 2 minutes
for all vehicle systems to power down.
o DTC B0012 connector X1
o DTC B0013 connector X2
2. Test for greater than 25 Ω between the control circuit terminal 1 and the control
circuit terminal 2.
o If 25 Ω or less
2. Disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
 Note: Some connectors may be equipped with shorting bars as a safety
component to prevent accidental inflator deployment. When testing on a
connector with shorting bars, the shorting bars must be disabled to ensure
accurate test results. Insert an appropriate pick from EL-38125-580 and
depress the shorting bars above the appropriate terminals. This will lift the
shorting bar from the terminal and allow accurate test results. Take care
not to damage the connector, shorting bar, or terminal when depressing the
shorting bar.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the two control circuits.

 If less than infinite resistance, repair the short between the two
circuits.
 If infinite resistance, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If greater than 25 Ω
3. Ignition ON.
4. Test for less than 11 V between each control circuit terminal listed below and
ground:
o Control circuit terminal 1
o Control circuit terminal 2
o If 11 V or greater
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable
restraint sensing and diagnostic module, ignition ON.
4. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuit and ground.
 If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
 If less than 1 V, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If less than 11 V
5. Ignition OFF.
6. Test for greater than 25 Ω between each control circuit terminal listed below and
ground:
o Control circuit terminal 1
o Control circuit terminal 2
o If 25 Ω or less
3. Disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.

Note: Some connectors may be equipped with shorting bars as a safety

component to prevent accidental inflator deployment. When testing on a
connector with shorting bars, the shorting bars must be disabled to ensure
accurate test results. Insert an appropriate pick from EL-38125-580 and
depress the shorting bars above the appropriate terminals. This will lift the
shorting bar from the terminal and allow accurate test results. Take care
not to damage the connector, shorting bar, or terminal when depressing the
shorting bar.
 4. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuit and ground.
 If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the
circuit.
 If infinite resistance, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If greater than 25 Ω
7. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 1 and the
control circuit terminal 2, ignition ON.
8. Verify the scan tool Deployment Loop Resistance parameter is consistently less
than 2 Ω while turning the steering wheel 360 degrees in one direction then back
360 degrees in the other direction.
o If the reading is erratic while turning the steering wheel

Replace the steering wheel airbag coil.

o If 2 Ω or greater
2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the inflatable
restraint sensing and diagnostic module.
3. Test for less than 2 Ω in the steering wheel airbag coil and each control
circuit end to end.
 If 2 Ω or greater, replace the coil or repair the open/high resistance
in the circuit.
 If less than 2 Ω, replace the inflatable restraint sensing and
diagnostic module.
o If less than 2 Ω
9. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the steering wheel air bag, press in
the CPA (if equipped) until an audible and/or tactile click is heard.
10. Ignition ON, clear DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running
the DTC.
11. Verify DTC B0012 or B0013 is not set.
o If DTC B0012 or B0013 is set

Replace the steering wheel air bag.

o If DTC B0012 or B0013 is not set

12. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

 Steering Wheel Airbag Coil Replacement

 Airbag Steering Wheel Module Replacement
 SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs
 Control Module References for inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module
replacement, programming and setup