B1349 Code - Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery

Quick Answer

The B1349 diagnostic trouble code indicates that there is a short circuit between the driver front airbag and the vehicle's battery. Common causes include Wiring harness damage or wear, Faulty airbag inflator, Corrosion in the wiring connections. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means

B1349 indicates Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery.

Common causes

Common causes include Wiring harness damage or wear, Faulty airbag inflator, Corrosion in the wiring connections.

Severity

High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.

Can I drive?

Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

• Description
• Common Causes
• Symptoms
• How To Fix
• Cost to Fix
• FAQs
• Comments
• Add Comment

Common Causes of B1349

Symptoms of B1349

How to Fix B1349

Cost to Fix B1349

Need more information about the B1349 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1349 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1349 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Code B1349 Information for Specific Makes

• B1349 Buick — Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery
• B1349 Cadillac — Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery
• B1349 Chevrolet — Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery
• B1349 Ford — Heated Backlite Relay Short to Battery
• B1349 GMC — Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery
• B1349 Hyundai — Driver-Side Air Bag Module First Stage Short To Battery
• B1349 Infiniti — Front Door Satellite Sensor Left Communication Error
• B1349 KIA — Driver-Side Air Bag Module First Stage Short To Battery
• B1349 Lincoln — Heated Backlite Relay Short to Battery
• B1349 Mercury — Heated Backlite Relay Short to Battery
• B1349 Nissan — Front Door Satellite Sensor Left Communication Error

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

• Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
• Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
• Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
• Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B1349 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1349 (Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard, erratic behavior of the airbag system, and potential non-deployment of the driver front airbag during a collision.

2. What are possible causes of the OBDII code B1349?

- Possible causes may include a short circuit in the wiring harness leading to the driver front airbag, a malfunctioning airbag control module, or a faulty clock spring.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1349 related to the driver front airbag short to battery?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault code and then inspecting the wiring, connectors, and components related to the driver front airbag system for any visible damage or issues.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with the OBDII code B1349 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the OBDII code B1349 present, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver front airbag system, which could compromise your safety in the event of an accident.

5. How can I repair the OBDII code B1349 related to the driver front airbag short to battery?

- Repairing this code typically involves addressing the root cause of the short circuit or electrical issue, which may require repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or components in the driver front airbag system.

6. Can resetting the OBDII code B1349 clear the issue permanently?

- Simply resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the driver front airbag short to battery. It is essential to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure proper airbag functionality.

7. Are there any safety precautions to consider when working on the driver front airbag system related to code B1349?

- It is crucial to disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait for the specified time before working on the airbag system to prevent accidental deployment, which can cause serious injury.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code B1349 issue on their own?

- While some basic diagnostic and repair tasks may be within reach for DIY enthusiasts, dealing with the driver front airbag system and related codes like B1349 often requires specialized knowledge and tools best handled by a professional technician.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code B1349 (Driver Front Airbag Short to Battery)?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the labor rates in your area, and whether any components need to be replaced. It is advisable to consult with a mechanic for an accurate estimate.

10. Can the OBDII code B1349 be a recurring issue even after repair?

- If the root cause of the driver front airbag short to battery issue is not properly addressed during the repair, there is a possibility that the code B1349 may reappear. It is essential to ensure a thorough diagnosis and repair to prevent recurrence.