What B0016 means
The SRS module detected a short to ground in the front passenger airbag deployment circuit.
How the engine computer detects it
Deployment of the affected stage is inhibited and the warning lamp is illuminated.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Warning light or symbol related to the affected system
- Comfort or safety function impaired
Common causes
- Chafed wiring under dashboard Most likely
- Water at connector causing low resistance Possible
How to diagnose B0016
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: passenger airbag module, srs wiring.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- B
- Body
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 016
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code B0016?
The car drives normally, but with the airbag light on some airbags or seatbelt pretensioners may not work in a crash. Get the system checked soon, and leave airbag parts to a shop: they can deploy and injure you.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as B0016. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.