Meaning for specific makes
The same number can mean different things for different makes. Below is the make-specific meaning.
Toyota, Lexus: SRS: side airbag sensor RH circuit malfunction
Don’t put off the repair
A fault code doesn’t yet mean the unit or sensor itself is faulty: often it’s the plug and connector leading to it.
Possible causes
- The sensor connector or wiring in the centre pillar
- The impact sensor itself (often replaced after an impact)
- The SRS unit (less often)
What you can do yourself
- You can drive, but don’t put off the repair: the airbags may not deploy in a crash.
- Don’t test squibs or airbags with a multimeter and don’t take them apart: the airbag can deploy and injure you. Touch the connectors only with the battery terminal disconnected and after waiting several minutes. Don’t fit airbag “emulators”: there will be no protection in a crash.
- If there was even a minor accident or the bumper, door or pillar was repaired, check that the sensor is connected.
- After the repair the code won’t go away by itself: it is cleared with a scan tool.
OOleg’s tip: check the connector
Often the cause is simple — there is no contact in the connector (plug). Look at the connector from the back: remove the rubber seal and you will see whether a wire is corroded or has come off completely. Corrosion shows up as green deposits. Ideally, gently pull each wire towards you one at a time: a sound wire stays in place, while a corroded one simply comes off — it needs to be repaired.
Unplug and inspect connectors with the ignition off.
This is the Toyota and Lexus meaning. On other makes this number means something else: if your car isn’t a Toyota or Lexus, change the make at the top.
Source: Toyota T-SB-0035-13 (static.nhtsa.gov)
Hyundai, Kia: SRS: airbag control unit internal fault
Don’t put off the repair
A fault code doesn’t yet mean the unit or sensor itself is faulty: often it’s the plug and connector leading to it.
Possible causes
- SRS unit internal fault
- The SRS unit’s power and ground
- Low voltage: a flat battery or corroded terminals
What you can do yourself
- You can drive, but don’t put off the repair: the airbags may not deploy in a crash.
- Don’t test squibs or airbags with a multimeter and don’t take them apart: the airbag can deploy and injure you. Touch the connectors only with the battery terminal disconnected and after waiting several minutes. Don’t fit airbag “emulators”: there will be no protection in a crash.
- Check the battery: with low voltage the SRS unit also stores faults.
- With this code some cars had a recall or an extended warranty on the SRS unit (for example, the Kia Forte and Soul 2017–2019 and the Hyundai Accent 2018–2019) — ask a dealer by VIN.
- After a crash, deployed airbags and pretensioners are replaced, and the SRS unit is restored or replaced.
OOleg’s tip: check the connector
Often the cause is simple — there is no contact in the connector (plug). Look at the connector from the back: remove the rubber seal and you will see whether a wire is corroded or has come off completely. Corrosion shows up as green deposits. Ideally, gently pull each wire towards you one at a time: a sound wire stays in place, while a corroded one simply comes off — it needs to be repaired.
Unplug and inspect connectors with the ignition off.
This is the Hyundai and Kia meaning. On other makes this number means something else: if your car isn’t a Hyundai or Kia, change the make at the top.
Source: Kia SC226; Hyundai TSB 24-BE-014H; Kia DTC charts (NHTSA EA19-001), static.nhtsa.gov
Need a mechanic’s help?
Couldn’t fix it yourself? Oleg, an auto electrician, does computer diagnostics and repairs: he comes out anywhere in Almaty or sees you at his workshop.
Want to figure it out yourself?
Oleg’s course “Car computer diagnostics with a scan tool”: how to hook up a scanner, read codes and live data, and use them to find the cause. The first lessons are free.
Nearby codes
- B1513SRS: passenger seat belt buckle switch — open or short to batteryHyundai, Kia
- B1514SRS: passenger seat belt buckle switch — short to groundHyundai, Kia
- B1610SRS: front airbag sensor RH circuit malfunctionToyota, Lexus
- B1615SRS: front airbag sensor LH circuit malfunctionToyota, Lexus
- B1625SRS: side airbag sensor LH circuit malfunctionToyota, Lexus
- B1650SRS: occupant classification system malfunctionToyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia
- B1651SRS: crash recorded (driver side airbag)Hyundai, Kia
- B1652SRS: crash recorded (passenger side airbag)Hyundai, Kia
Who keeps this reference
The reference is kept by Oleg Dmitriev, an auto electrician from Almaty with 26 years of experience: computer diagnostics of cars and trucks, repair of control units (ECUs). Can’t find the cause? Message him.