What it means
B0013 flags an electrical fault in the passenger (right-front) frontal airbag, Stage-2 deployment loop. OEM criteria typically define sub-types via “symptom bytes,” e.g., short-to-battery (:01), short-to-ground (:02), open circuit (:04), resistance above threshold (:0D), resistance below threshold (:0E). GM service information and TSBs list B0013 among common SIR (airbag) loop faults and document that the SDM may set the code after the condition persists for a calibrated time window (often ~2 seconds). NHTSA+1
Symptoms
- Airbag/SRS lamp on; SDM/RCM stores B0013 (often with a symptom byte).
- Passenger frontal airbag deployment may be inhibited until the fault is resolved. NHTSA
Severity / priority
High (safety-critical). A Stage-2 loop fault can lead to improper or non-deployment during a severe crash. Address promptly. NHTSA
Common causes
- Wiring faults in the RF Stage-2 high/low control circuits (open, short-to-B+, short-to-GND, corrosion, poor terminal tension). NHTSA
- Clock spring/spiral cable damage or poor terminal tension at the steering-wheel airbag coil connectors (documented cause on some platforms). NHTSA
- Connector issues at the passenger module/IP harness (shorting bar faults, backed-out pins).
- Less common: internal fault of the airbag module (Stage-2 inflator) or the SDM/RCM.
- Platform notes and mappings for B0013/B0012 are covered in factory service pages (Saab WIS groups B0012/B0013 procedures together). Saab Wisonline
Diagnostic notes
- Use an SRS-capable scan tool to read B0013 with its symptom byte; capture freeze-frame; check for companion loop codes (Stage-1 or other loops). Follow OEM SRS safety procedures (battery disconnect and wait time; never probe live inflator circuits). NHTSA
- Perform visual/physical inspection of connectors and harnesses (RF airbag, IP, intermediate connectors). Check terminal tension specifically; GM issued guidance to test the steering-wheel airbag coil connector terminal tension before replacing parts on B0012/B0013 cases. NHTSA
- Per OEM pinpoint tests, check for short-to-B+, short-to-GND, and open/high/low resistance conditions on the loop; compare measured values to thresholds (e.g., GM examples: open for ≥2 s → :04; >~4.4 Ω for ≥2 s → :0D; <~1.7 Ω for ≥2 s → :0E; exact values vary by platform). GM-Trucks.com
Possible fixes
- Repair wiring/terminals; correct routing/strain relief; remediate corrosion and replace damaged connectors. NHTSA
- Correct terminal-tension faults in the steering-wheel airbag coil connector where applicable before replacing the clockspring or module. NHTSA
- Replace a failed clock spring if continuity/resistance tests confirm an internal fault.
- Replace the passenger airbag module (Stage-2) only if it fails OEM tests; evaluate SDM/RCM last.
- Clear DTCs, cycle ignition, and re-scan to verify repair. NHTSA
Sources
GM preliminary info/TSB listing B0013 among common SIR loop codes and advising diagnosis (symptom bytes, intermittent resistance). NHTSA
GM service criteria examples for Stage-1/2 loop thresholds and timing (forum post quoting SI values; use OEM manual as source of truth). GM-Trucks.com
GM guidance to test steering-wheel airbag-coil terminal tension for B0012/B0013 complaints. NHTSA
Factory-style grouping of B0012/B0013 diagnostics in Saab WIS. Saab Wisonline