B0038 code meaning
Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control
What B0038 means
B0038 watches the firing loop of the side airbag for the right-hand second-row seat, fitted in the rear door trim or in the outer bolster of the rear backrest. Mitsubishi lists it as rear side airbag module RH with exactly this J2012 wording and logs B0038-12 when the circuit has been shorted to supply for 2 seconds. On Mercedes-Benz compact models (A-Class, CLA, GLB) B003813 is an open squib in the right rear sidebag. A GM patent family keeps rear-row side bags on their own gas generators, separate from the front-row system. GM's Saab 9-4X 2011 manual lists B0038 in the same procedure as its front seat side bags. Left twin: B0030. The airbag lamp is lit.
B0038 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 B0038
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Right rear passenger may lack side airbag protection
- 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 B0038
- Most likelyPoor contact at the rear side airbag connector in the door or rear seat
- PossibleInternal fault in the right rear side airbag module
- Less likelyLead chafed against a powered wire, e.g. at the rear seat fold or B-pillar
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Second row right side airbagSquib circuitSRS wiringSRS control module
What each part of B0038 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). |
| 38 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0038 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 B0038
What does B0038 mean?
B0038 means "Second Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control". B0038 watches the firing loop of the side airbag for the right-hand second-row seat, fitted in the rear door trim or in the outer bolster of the rear backrest. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0038?
B0038 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0038 fail an emissions test?
B0038 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 B0038 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0038 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.