B0020 code meaning
Left Side Airbag Deployment Control
What B0020 means
B0020 covers the firing loop of the left front side airbag, the thorax bag usually built into the outer flank of the driver seat backrest. Toyota names B002011 and B002012 as short to ground and short to battery on the 2022 Tundra, where the wireless phone charger caused false entries that new SRS software cures (TSB005722). FCA reads B0020-13 as an open left seat squib on the 2014-17 Cherokee and the 2015-17 Chrysler 200 and fits new jumper harnesses in the seats (10-001-20). Honda collected parts from Accord, CR-V and TLX with the same byte 13, and Mitsubishi confirms each fault after 2 seconds. GM modules of about 2007-14 used B0020 for passenger frontal stage 2 instead, so check which bag the scan tool names. The airbag lamp is on.
B0020 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 B0020
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Left front side airbag may not deploy in a side impact
- 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 B0020
- Most likelyPoor contact or corrosion at the side airbag connector or jumper harness under or in the seat
- PossibleInternal fault in the left seat side airbag module
- PossiblePinched or chafed side airbag lead in the seat frame
- Less likelyRestraint module software reacting to interference, e.g. Toyota Tundra 2022 with wireless charger
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Left side airbag moduleSRS control moduleSRS seat wiringSeat harness connector
What each part of B0020 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). |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0020 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 B0020
What does B0020 mean?
B0020 means "Left Side Airbag Deployment Control". B0020 covers the firing loop of the left front side airbag, the thorax bag usually built into the outer flank of the driver seat backrest. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0020?
B0020 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0020 fail an emissions test?
B0020 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 B0020 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0020 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.