B0028 OBD-II: Right Side Airbag Deployment Control (Subfault)

What does code B0028 mean?

Code B0028 stands for Right Front Passenger Side Deployment Loop Resistance Low The supplemental restraint system (SRS) is the airbag system. Its called such because airbags were designed to supplement a vehicle's existing restraint system (i.e. seatbelts). All new vehicles sold in the U.S. are required to have an SRS system.

Several different components make up the SRS system. The SRS module is the computer responsible for monitoring and controlling the SRS system. It receives input from various sensors to determine control of SRS system outputs, such as the air bags and SRS warning light. Depending on the manufacturer, the SRS module may go by another name such as the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).

The SRS module monitors impact sensors to determine if a collision has happened. It will then deploy the airbags as needed. On some vehicles, this circuit between the SRS module and air bag is known as a loop. The airbag is sometimes referred to as an inflatable restraint module.

Code B0028 indicates the SRS module has determined a problem with the right front passenger airbag deployment loop. The low resistance portion of the code description indicates a potential short to voltage.

B0028 symptoms

• Illuminated warning lights
• SRS system performance issues

Common causes for B0028

Code B0028 is typically caused by one of the following:

• Wiring issues
• Control module problems
• A problem with the airbag

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How to diagnose and repair B0028

Perform a preliminary inspection

Sometimes B0028 can pop up intermittently. This is especially true if the code is a history code and not current. Clear the code and see if it returns. If it does, the next step is to perform a visual inspection. A trained eye can check for issues such as broken wires and loose connections. If a problem is found, the issue should be repaired and the code cleared. If nothing is discovered, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs). TSBs are recommended diagnostic and repair procedures put out by the vehicle manufacturer. Finding a related TSB can greatly reduce diagnostic time.

Check the circuit

The next step is to verify the circuit is intact. Code B0028 may indicate a problem with the circuitry between the SRS module and the passenger airbag. There are typically two wires going to the airbag: airbag module high and airbag module low.

Shorting bars are also located in some airbag connectors. These bars connect the terminals together when the connectors are removed. This prevents accidental airbag deployment. The bars can sometimes be the source of circuit problems.

Note: the airbag must be properly disabled prior to testing. If this is not done, the airbag could be accidently deployed. Disabling of the airbag, and testing of the airbag circuit, should be done according to the manufacturer's repair information. Otherwise, component damage and/or personal injury may result.

Check the SRS module

At this point, most manufacturers don't specify any test procedures for the SRS module. Instead, they simply recommend replacing it. However, before condemning the unit, check to see if its software is up to date. Sometimes, reprogramming a module is all that's needed to fix the problem.

Replace the airbag

If everything else has been checked. The final step is to replace the airbag module.

Note: This is a dangerous procedure that should only be attempted by a professional.

Other diagnostic codes related to B0028

• B0016: Code B0016 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the right front passenger airbag deployment loop.
• B0017: Code B0017 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the right front passenger airbag deployment loop.
• B0018: Code B0018 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the right front passenger airbag deployment loop.
• B0022: Code B0022 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the left front driver airbag deployment loop.
• B0024: Code B0024 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the left front driver airbag deployment loop.
• B0026: Code B0026 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the right front passenger airbag deployment loop.
• B0029: Code B0029 indicates the SRS module has detected a problem in the right front passenger airbag deployment loop.

Code B0028 technical details

Code B0028 can pop up intermittently due to a short between the airbag module high and low circuits. It can also be caused by a malfunctioning shorting bar on the right front side impact module connector.