B0038 high Severity

B0038: Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control (Subfault)

No direct drivability impact, but compromises supplemental restraint system (airbag) functionality

Overview

B0038 refers to a body system airbag deployment control fault related to the second-row right‑side airbag circuit, indicating an open, short, or communication error in the airbag deployment control network.

Common Symptoms

  • SRS/AIRBAG warning lamp illuminated
  • Possible deactivation of the right‑side airbag in the second row
  • Persistent DTC after ignition cycles
  • Loss of communication with airbag control module

Most Common Causes

Faulty airbag deployment control circuit wiring/connectors high

Broken, shorted, or corroded wiring between the airbag and control module

Defective airbag control module or sensor medium

Internal fault or corrupt software in airbag module may trigger the code

Open or shorted auxiliary switch circuit (in some vehicles) low

Reported alternative definition in some generic reference sites, less confirmed by professional sources

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect an SRS‑capable scan tool and confirm B0038 and any related codes
    Expected: B0038 present with no additional unrelated codes
    Interpretation: Confirms airbag system fault; proceed with SRS specific diagnostics
  2. Perform a visual inspection of the second‑row right airbag harness and connectors
    Expected: No breaks, corrosion, or loose connections
    Interpretation: Faults here often correlate directly to code cause
  3. Test continuity and resistance of the airbag deployment control circuit with a multimeter
    Expected: Continuity within manufacturer specs
    Interpretation: Open/short conditions in wiring harness should be identified
  4. Check airbag control module communication via scan tool
    Expected: Module responds and communicates properly
    Interpretation: Loss of communication points to module or CAN bus issues

Repair Solutions

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors in airbag circuit medium
Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

Cost varies based on labor and extent of damage

Replace faulty airbag control module or sensor hard
Estimated Cost: $400 - $1200

Module replacement often requires programming and VIN matching

Update or reflash airbag control module software medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Applicable if software corruption is confirmed

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Generic ECU coding issues or unrelated body control module faults due to code misinterpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain the meaning of B0038?

When your OBD-II scanner reads B0038, it means: Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control (Subfault). This code is related to the vehicle's Sensors.

Reflecting on severity: How bad is B0038?

You should treat B0038 as a high issue. No direct drivability impact, but compromises supplemental restraint system (airbag) functionality

Common signs of the B0038 error code

Drivers often report: SRS/AIRBAG warning lamp illuminated, Possible deactivation of the right‑side airbag in the second row, Persistent DTC after ignition cycles when this code is present.

What parts fail when B0038 is set?

This code is frequently triggered by: Faulty airbag deployment control circuit wiring/connectors, Defective airbag control module or sensor, Open or shorted auxiliary switch circuit (in some vehicles).

How much does it cost to fix B0038?

Repair costs depend on the specific failure. A simple Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors in airbag circuit replacement is relatively affordable ($100-$400), whereas a Replace faulty airbag control module or sensor repair is more expensive, potentially reaching $1200.

Is the B0038 code specific to Dodge?

This is a universal code. You might see B0038 on Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or any other OBD-II vehicle.

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