B0013 high Severity

B0013: Passenger Knee Bolster Deployment Control (Subfault)

Airbag/SRS warning light illuminated; passenger knee airbag may be disabled, compromising occupant safety

Overview

B0013 diagnostics SRS passenger knee bolster deployment control, airbag circuit fault, resistance open/short, wiring harness, connector corrosion, module issues

Common Symptoms

  • SRS or airbag warning light on dashboard after ignition
  • Specific "KNEE AIRBAG" or SRS indicator illumination
  • Loss of passenger knee airbag deployment readiness
  • Persistent code after reset

Most Common Causes

Faulty or damaged airbag deployment circuit wiring/connectors high

Open circuit, short to ground or power, or high resistance in knee bolster loop often triggers B0013

Corroded or loose SRS connectors medium

Moisture and vibration lead to poor contacts in airbag harness

Faulty knee bolster control module or software issue medium

Module internal failure or corrupted calibration data can falsely flag the code

Sensor or crash-pulse sensor input issue low

Less common; erratic sensor signals can cause control module to detect abnormal resistance

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect dedicated SRS diagnostic scanner and read all stored codes
    Expected: Confirmation of B0013 and any additional related SRS codes
    Interpretation: Ensures the focus is on current SRS system fault and identifies related issues
  2. Visually inspect knee bolster deployment circuit wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion
    Expected: No damaged wires, no loose or corroded pins
    Interpretation: Corrosion or physical damage often causes abnormal resistance triggering the code
  3. Measure circuit resistance and continuity using appropriate safety adapters
    Expected: Circuit shows low resistance within specified range
    Interpretation: High resistance or open circuit confirms wiring/connectivity fault
  4. Check knee bolster control module communication with scanner
    Expected: Module responds within specification
    Interpretation: No response or errors suggests control module internal or communication error
  5. Update or re‑flash control module software per manufacturer procedure if supported
    Expected: Software version matches latest release
    Interpretation: Software corruption may cause incorrect fault detection

Repair Solutions

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $300

Often resolves the issue if caused by harness damage or connector corrosion

Clean and properly secure SRS connectors easy
Estimated Cost: $0 - $50

Effective if poor contact causes abnormal resistance

Re‑flash or update knee bolster control module software medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $250

Requires OEM tool access; applies when software corruption is detected

Replace knee bolster control module hard
Estimated Cost: $600 - $1200

Used when internal module failure or irreparable damage

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Generic reference to generic airbag sensor fault without considering specific knee bolster loop or resistance thresholds

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical definition of B0013 OBD-II Code

When your OBD-II scanner reads B0013, it means: Passenger Knee Bolster Deployment Control (Subfault). This code is related to the vehicle's Sensors.

Can B0013 cause engine damage?

The B0013 code is considered high severity. Airbag/SRS warning light illuminated; passenger knee airbag may be disabled, compromising occupant safety

Symptoms associated with DTC B0013

The most typical signs are: SRS or airbag warning light on dashboard after ignition, Specific "KNEE AIRBAG" or SRS indicator illumination, Loss of passenger knee airbag deployment readiness.

Potential causes for OBDII code B0013

Potential culprits include: Faulty or damaged airbag deployment circuit wiring/connectors, Corroded or loose SRS connectors, Faulty knee bolster control module or software issue. A proper diagnosis is recommended.

How much does it cost to fix B0013?

The cost varies significantly based on the root cause. For example, replacing a Clean and properly secure SRS connectors typically costs between $0 and $50, while fixing a Replace knee bolster control module can range from $600 to $1200.

What cars are affected by the B0013 code?

B0013 is not specific to any one brand. It can appear on Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and other vehicles.

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