B0051

DTC B0051

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor
DTC B0051
- Deployment Commanded

Circuit/System Description

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) contains a sensing device that converts changes in vehicle velocity to an electrical signal. The SDM compares this signal to a value stored in memory. When the generated signal exceeds the stored value, the SDM performs additional signal processing and compares the generated signals to values stored in memory. When 2 of the generated signals exceed the stored values, the SDM will cause current to flow through the inflator modules, deploying the air bags and causing DTC B0051 to set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Ignition voltage must be present and the SDM must have commanded an air bag deployment with no faults present.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The SDM requests the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.
* The SDM records crash data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC B0051 is a latched code. You cannot clear a latched code. Replace the SDM after following the instructions in the circuit/system testing.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics ([1][2]Air Bag Systems)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

SIR System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

Important: The seat belt pretensioners may deploy for impacts that are not severe enough to warrent frontal or side air bag deployment. The SDM is capable of sustaining 3 pretensioners deployment events or one frontal or side deployment event. After the maximum number of deployments has occurred, DTC B0051 sets and becomes a latched code, which cannot be cleared.


1. Ignition OFF, verify no signs of inflator module or pretensioner deployment exists.

• If any signs of deployment exists, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision (Supplemental Inflatable Restraints).

2. Verify the DTC B0051 is not set.

• If the DTC is set, clear the DTC. If the DTC resets, replace the SDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs (SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for SDM replacement, setup, and programming