B0010 code meaning
Passenger Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
What B0010 means
The front passenger airbag in the dashboard is normally dual-stage like the driver bag, but it also depends on occupant detection: FMVSS 208 allows it to be suppressed for small occupants and requires a readiness indicator that monitors the system. B0010 reports a fault in the firing loop of its first stage. Mercedes-Benz stores B001013 when the stage 1 squib of the passenger bag is open; Mitsubishi files B0010 under the passenger (assist) airbag module with several fault bytes. A suppressed airbag is not a fault and does not set this code; B0010 means the wiring or squib of stage 1 is electrically out of range. Typical spots are the connector behind the dash panel and harness routed past the glovebox. The passenger bag may not deploy and the airbag lamp stays lit.
B0010 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0010
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Front passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash
- Safety note: do not probe the airbag circuit yourself; unplug airbag connectors only with the battery disconnected and the stated wait time observed
Common causes of B0010
- Most likelyLoose, corroded or unlocked connector at the passenger airbag module
- PossibleHarness damaged during dashboard or glovebox work
- Less likelyInternal fault in the passenger airbag module (stage 1 squib)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Passenger airbag moduleSRS wiringSRS control module
What each part of B0010 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 10 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0010 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0010
What does B0010 mean?
B0010 means "Passenger Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control". The front passenger airbag in the dashboard is normally dual-stage like the driver bag, but it also depends on occupant detection: FMVSS 208 allows it to be suppressed for small occupants and requires a readiness indicator that monitors the system. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0010?
B0010 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0010 fail an emissions test?
B0010 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0010 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0010 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.