B0010 critical

Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Control

The B0010 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Control. This is a critical severity code.

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Keep driving?
No -- stop driving
DIY difficulty
hard
Estimated cost
$200 - $800 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms

  • SRS warning light illuminated
  • Passenger knee airbag fault stored
  • Airbag malfunction message on dash
  • Warning chime active at startup
  • Vehicle may fail safety inspection

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Defective passenger knee airbag module Very High
  • Wiring damage under passenger side dashboard High
  • Corroded connector at knee airbag module Moderate
  • SRS module malfunction Moderate
  • Glove box or dash component interfering with wiring Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Read SRS DTCs with compatible scan tool

  2. Inspect passenger knee airbag connector

  3. Check wiring from SRS module to knee airbag

  4. Measure squib circuit resistance

  5. Verify SRS module outputs to passenger knee circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the passenger knee airbag less important than frontal airbags?

All airbags work together as a system. The knee airbag helps prevent the occupant from sliding under the seatbelt during a frontal crash, which is critical for proper restraint.

What does the repair involve?

Repair may involve replacing the knee airbag module, repairing damaged wiring, or replacing a corroded connector. The glove box or lower dash panels must be removed for access.

How is the knee airbag different from front airbags?

Knee airbags deploy lower, from under the dashboard, to protect the legs and knees. Front airbags deploy from the steering wheel or dashboard to protect the head and torso.

Sources

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

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