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B004A

Critical
Professional

Third Row Right Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control (Subfault)

What Does B004A Mean?

This code indicates a subfault in the third row right frontal airbag's second stage deployment control circuit. The airbag control module has detected an abnormality in the electrical circuit or deployment mechanism for the second stage of the dual-stage airbag system located in the third row right seating position. This subfault suggests a partial failure or degraded condition in the deployment control system rather than a complete circuit failure.

Safety Warning

This is a critical safety concern as the third row right airbag may not deploy properly or at full capacity during a collision, potentially causing serious injury to the occupant. Vehicle should not be driven until repaired, especially with passengers in the third row right seat.

Common Causes

35%

Faulty third row right frontal airbag module with internal stage 2 deployment circuit failure

Third row right frontal airbag module
Airbag inflator assembly

30%

Damaged or corroded wiring harness connectors between airbag control module and third row right airbag

Airbag wiring harness
Airbag connector

20%

High resistance or intermittent connection in stage 2 deployment circuit due to damaged wiring

Airbag wiring harness
Clock spring assembly

15%

Faulty airbag control module with stage 2 deployment driver circuit malfunction

Airbag control module
SRS control unit

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Perform a visual inspection of the third row right frontal airbag module for any physical damage, water intrusion, or deployment. Check for airbag warning indicators on the dashboard and verify the airbag has not been previously deployed.

2

Step 2: Inspect all wiring harness connectors between the airbag control module and third row right airbag for corrosion, bent pins, moisture, or loose connections. Pay special attention to connectors under seats and routing through floor pan areas prone to water intrusion.

3

Step 3: Using a digital multimeter, measure the resistance of the stage 2 deployment circuit at the airbag connector (disconnected from airbag module). Compare readings to manufacturer specifications, typically 2-3 ohms for the squib circuit. Check for short to ground or short to power conditions.

4

Step 4: With the circuit still disconnected, check wiring harness continuity from the third row airbag connector back to the airbag control module connector. Verify no opens, shorts, or excessive resistance (should be less than 5 ohms total for wiring).

5

Step 5: If all wiring and connections test within specifications, perform a live data scan of the airbag control module to monitor real-time resistance values and deployment circuit status. Compare stage 1 and stage 2 circuits for abnormal differences.

6

Step 6: Replace the faulty component identified (airbag module or control module), clear codes, and perform a complete airbag system self-test using the scan tool. Verify the airbag warning light extinguishes and no codes return after multiple key cycles.

Estimated Repair Cost

$400 - $1,500

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does B004A mean?

This code indicates a subfault in the third row right frontal airbag's second stage deployment control circuit. The airbag control module has detected an abnormality in the electrical circuit or deployment mechanism for the second stage of the dual-stage airbag system located in the third row right ...

What causes B004A?

The most common cause of B004A (Third Row Right Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control (Subfault)) is: Faulty third row right frontal airbag module with internal stage 2 deployment circuit failure

How much does it cost to fix B004A?

Typical repair costs for B004A range from $400 to $1,500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with B004A?

This is a critical safety concern as the third row right airbag may not deploy properly or at full capacity during a collision, potentially causing serious injury to the occupant. Vehicle should not be driven until repaired, especially with passengers in the third row right seat.

How do I diagnose B004A?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B004A to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Body

System

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS/Airbag)

Difficulty

Professional

Type

Generic (SAE)

Recommended Tools

OBD2 Scanner

A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.