B0014 code meaning
Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Control
What B0014 means
B0014 is not in the public J2012 code lists; there the driver knee airbag has B0004 and the passenger knee airbag B0013. The number is documented only at General Motors, and with another meaning. GM modules from about 2010 use B0014 for the side airbag in the driver seat; the Saab 9-4X 2011 manual adds a fault byte for each failure, from a shorted or open loop to a high reading (0D, over 4.2 ohms) or a low one (0E, under 1.4 ohms). GM bulletins blame chafed or loose seat harness connectors and high connector resistance on Silverado and Tahoe 2014-15, Equinox, Traverse and the Bolt EV. Older Saab 9-3 modules used B0014 for a short in the passenger frontal stage 2 loop. A knee airbag meaning for this code is not publicly documented.
B0014 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0014
- Airbag warning lamp or service airbag message, often intermittent
- Affected airbag may not deploy
- 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 B0014
- Most likelyOn GM vehicles loose or high-resistance side airbag connector under or in the driver seat
- PossibleSeat harness chafed by seat frame, motor or foam
- Less likelyInternal fault in the airbag module served by this loop
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Knee airbag moduleDriver side airbagSRS seat wiringSRS control module
What each part of B0014 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). |
| 14 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0014 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 B0014
What does B0014 mean?
B0014 means "Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Control". B0014 is not in the public J2012 code lists; there the driver knee airbag has B0004 and the passenger knee airbag B0013. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0014?
B0014 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0014 fail an emissions test?
B0014 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 B0014 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0014 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.