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B0103 code meaning

Sensor Cleaning Air Blower Actuator B Control

Body system Generic code B01xx codes

What B0103 means

With B0103 the module flags the command line of blower B, not the blower: open wire, short or a driver that cannot switch. In compressed-air layouts the controlled element is often a valve bank. Uber's patent lets the controller fire individual solenoids for set times, for example one valve for three seconds, so a single faulty drive line leaves only part of the lidar or one camera without air. Ford’s test-car tiara blows an air curtain through slots beside each lens to keep insects off, so a dead control line on the B side lets dirt settle where air should flow. Kautex says its software prioritises cleaning points by coordinating actuators. Which outlets belong to B is unpublished, and no carmaker documents B0103; its partner on the A side is B0102.

B0103 at a glance

  • Check engine lightUsually not
  • Emissions testNot an emissions code
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
  • Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of B0103

  • Lens streaks or droplets remain after a wash cycle
  • Cleaning warning for sensors on the B circuit only
  • Assistance features temporarily unavailable in rain or dust

Common causes of B0103

  • Most likelyDamaged harness or connector in the control path of blower B
  • PossibleSolenoid coil of the B air valve open or shorted, where air is valve-switched
  • Less likelyFailed driver for blower B in the controlling module

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 bActuator wiringObject detection maintenance module b

What each part of B0103 means

BBody system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
03The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note B0103 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 B0103

What does B0103 mean?

B0103 means "Sensor Cleaning Air Blower Actuator B Control". With B0103 the module flags the command line of blower B, not the blower: open wire, short or a driver that cannot switch. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with B0103?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With B0103 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will B0103 fail an emissions test?

B0103 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 B0103 to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.

Will B0103 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

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Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 6 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for B0103