Third Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control
The B0048 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Third Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $100 - $900 (connector or clockspring commonly; the airbag/pretensioner unit itself at the high end)
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Common Symptoms
- Airbag (SRS) warning light on
- The affected restraint is typically disabled while the fault is present
- No drivability symptom - this is purely a safety-system fault
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open, short, or high resistance in this deployment (squib) circuit - often a connector under a seat or in the steering column (clockspring) High
- Damaged clockspring or under-seat harness from steering or seat movement High
- Faulty pretensioner/airbag unit itself Moderate
- SRS control module fault Low
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B0048 mean?
B0048 is a generic (ISO/SAE-standardized) restraints code: a fault in the Third Row Right Side Airbag Deployment Control circuit. The SRS module monitors every restraint circuit continuously and sets this when that circuit fails its checks.
Can I keep driving with B0048?
An SRS fault usually means part of the airbag or seatbelt system is DISABLED until repaired - the airbag warning light stays on and that restraint may not deploy in a crash. Never probe deployment-loop (squib) circuits with a test light or ohmmeter; accidental deployment causes serious injury. SRS diagnosis belongs at a qualified shop.
Will the airbag still work with B0048 stored?
Assume no for the affected restraint. With most SRS faults, the module disables the affected circuit (sometimes the whole system) until it is repaired and the code cleared. That is why the warning light stays on.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Read the code and its subfault detail with an SRS-capable scan tool - the subfault says open vs short vs resistance.
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Inspect the yellow SRS connectors on this circuit's path (under seats, in the column) for looseness or corrosion - AFTER disabling the SRS per the OEM procedure.
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Never measure a squib circuit with a standard meter or test light; use the OEM's load tool procedure only.
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Repair connectors/wiring with the OEM-specified method; many SRS harnesses must be replaced, not spliced.
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- All OBD-II vehicles - generic (ISO/SAE) restraints code standardized across makes
Related Codes
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