B0101 code meaning
Sensor Cleaning Air Blower Actuator B
What B0101 means
B0101 reports a fault of the second cleaning air source, blower B. A second unit makes sense where sensors are spread over the body: a roof pod and a bumper or corner sensor need separate air supplies. Not every design uses a fan; Uber's 2016 patent (now Aurora) feeds lidar and camera air knives from a compressor and accumulator held at about 140–160 psi, with one solenoid valve per outlet and a pressure sensor that raises a warning on a leak. AUMOVIO's lidar nozzles use compressed air to strip water droplets and to clear dust without washer fluid, and Kautex's Allegro systems combine water and air for camera and lidar. The split between A and B is not published by any carmaker, nor is B0101 itself.
B0101 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0101
- Cleaning fault shown for the sensor group served by blower B
- Water droplets or dust remain on lidar or camera window
- Assistance functions reduced when the affected sensor goes blind
Common causes of B0101
- Most likelyBlower or compressor B worn out or drawing too much current
- PossibleLeaking or split air hose so blower B cannot build pressure
- Less likelyWater or salt ingress into blower B at an exposed mounting point
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Sensor cleaning air blower bObject detection maintenance module b
What each part of B0101 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). |
| 01 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0101 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 B0101
What does B0101 mean?
B0101 means "Sensor Cleaning Air Blower Actuator B". B0101 reports a fault of the second cleaning air source, blower B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0101?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With B0101 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will B0101 fail an emissions test?
B0101 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 B0101 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0101 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.