B0086 - Airbag Passenger Squib Circuit High - Common in 2010-2015 Ford F-150 and 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado

Quick Answer

B0086 means: B0086 indicates a high resistance issue in the passenger airbag squib circuit.

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $100 - $300 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with B0086? Address immediately to ensure passenger safety.

Common Questions

What does B0086 mean and how does it affect my car?

The B0086 code indicates a problem with the passenger airbag squib circuit, which is essential for deploying the airbag in a crash. If this circuit is faulty, your airbag may not deploy as expected, significantly compromising passenger safety. It’s important to address this issue promptly.

What are the most common causes of B0086 and how much does it cost to fix?

Common causes of B0086 include damaged wiring (60% likelihood), a faulty airbag module (25%), and improper installation of accessories (10%). Repair costs can range from $100 for wiring repairs to $800 for module replacements, depending on the exact nature of the issue.

Can I drive my car with B0086 or should I stop immediately?

Driving with a B0086 code is not advisable, as it indicates a potential failure in the airbag system. This could lead to the airbag not deploying in an accident, putting passengers at risk. It’s best to have the issue checked immediately.

How can I diagnose B0086 myself using GeekOBD APP?

To diagnose B0086 with the GeekOBD APP, connect the device to your vehicle’s OBD2 port, scan for codes, and check freeze frame data. Look for any pending codes related to the airbag system and inspect wiring and connections based on the data retrieved.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by B0086?

B0086 is frequently reported in vehicles such as the 2010-2015 Ford F-150 and the 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Be sure to check for any manufacturer recalls related to the airbag system specific to your vehicle’s make and model.

How can I prevent B0086 from happening again?

To prevent B0086 from recurring, regularly inspect your vehicle’s wiring and connections, especially after any repairs or modifications. Ensure that all electrical components are installed correctly and avoid exposing the airbag system wiring to moisture or physical damage.

What is B0086?

The DTC code B0086 refers to a fault detected in the airbag system, specifically indicating an issue with the passenger squib circuit being high. This code typically indicates that the airbag control module has detected a fault in the electrical circuit that connects to the passenger airbag. In simpler terms, the squib is the device that ignites the airbag when a collision occurs. If the circuit is open or has excessive resistance, the airbag may not deploy as intended in the event of an accident, which can lead to severe safety risks. Common scenarios for this code include loose connections, damaged wiring, or even faulty airbag modules. For vehicle owners, seeing this code should prompt immediate attention, as it directly impacts passenger safety. Ignoring B0086 may not only compromise the effectiveness of the airbag system but could also result in failed inspections and higher repair costs down the line. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue as soon as it is identified. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent such issues, ensuring that your vehicle's safety systems are always functioning correctly.

System: B - Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)

Symptoms

Common symptoms when B0086 is present:

  • The airbag warning light on the dashboard remains illuminated, indicating an issue with the airbag system.
  • Occasional beeping or alerts from the vehicle indicating a malfunction in the airbag system, which may be accompanied by a message on the dashboard display.
  • Inability to reset the airbag light after attempting repairs, suggesting a persistent issue with the passenger airbag circuit.
  • Physical signs of wiring damage, such as frayed wires or corrosion near the airbag module connection.
  • Unexpected deployment of the airbag in low-impact scenarios, indicating a critical malfunction.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of B0086 (ordered by frequency):

  1. The most common cause of code B0086 is a damaged or corroded wiring connection in the passenger airbag circuit, which occurs in about 60% of cases. Regular wear and tear, exposure to moisture, or physical damage during maintenance can lead to this issue.
  2. Another potential cause is a faulty airbag module, which may malfunction and send incorrect readings to the control unit, occurring in roughly 25% of the cases. This can be due to manufacturing defects or age-related degradation.
  3. Improper installation of aftermarket accessories that involve wiring near the airbag circuits can lead to interference or damage, making up about 10% of cases. Always ensure professional installation of such components.
  4. Less common but serious issues include a failure in the airbag control module itself, where the module may need replacement, occurring in about 3% of instances.
  5. Rarely, factory recalls related to airbag systems can lead to B0086. It's essential to check for any service bulletins or recalls on your vehicle.

B0086 Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Wiring Repair

Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors in the airbag circuit.

  • Total: $100 - $300
  • Success rate: 85%
Airbag Module Replacement

Replace the faulty airbag module with a new or refurbished unit.

  • Total: $400 - $800
  • Success rate: 90%
Diagnostic Service

Complete diagnostic check to identify and confirm the fault.

  • Total: $75 - $150
  • Success rate: N/A
Money-Saving Tips for B0086
  • Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
  • Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
  • Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
  • Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
  • Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage

Diagnostic Steps

Professional B0086 Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B0086. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)

Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)

Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test the resistance and continuity of the squib circuit (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test the resistance and continuity of the squib circuit (20-30 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - After repairs, verify the proper operation of the airbag system and clear codes using the GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: System function test - After repairs, verify the proper operation of the airbag system and clear codes using the GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure that the airbag system responds correctly (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure that the airbag system responds correctly (15-20 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.

Important Notes

  • Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
  • Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
  • Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence

Real Repair Case Studies

Case Study 1: Repair of B0086 in a 2014 Ford F-150

Vehicle: 2014 Ford F-150, 65,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported airbag warning light illuminated and beeping alerts.

Diagnosis: Initial inspection revealed corroded wiring in the passenger airbag circuit. OBD2 scan confirmed B0086.

Solution: Replaced damaged wiring and connectors, followed by a system function test to confirm repair.

Cost: $250 (wiring repair and diagnostic fees)

Result: Airbag system functioned correctly post-repair, warning light cleared.

Case Study 2: B0086 Resolution on a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado

Vehicle: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, 80,000 miles

Problem: Airbag light stayed on, and customer noted inability to reset it.

Diagnosis: Complete diagnostic check indicated a faulty airbag module, supported by error codes.

Solution: Replaced the airbag module and performed a full system reset.

Cost: $650 (module replacement and labor)

Result: Successful repair with no further issues; airbag system confirmed operational.

Diagnose B0086

Use GeekOBD APP for professional diagnosis!

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  • Step-by-step repair guidance
  • Professional-grade analysis
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Code Information

Code: B0086
System: Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Body Codes