B0939 - Airbag Sensor Fault in 2013-2017 Ford Escape and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado

Quick Answer

B0939 means: B0939 indicates an airbag sensor issue, potentially affecting vehicle safety.

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $200 - $600 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with B0939? Immediate attention is recommended to ensure airbag functionality.

Common Questions

What does B0939 mean and how does it affect my car?

The B0939 code indicates a problem with your vehicle's airbag sensor, which can prevent airbags from deploying in an accident. This poses a significant safety risk, as the airbags may not activate when needed, increasing the chance of injury during a collision.

What are the most common causes of B0939 and how much does it cost to fix?

The most common causes of the B0939 code include damaged wiring (60% likelihood) and faulty airbag sensors (25% likelihood). Repair costs can range from $100 to $1200, depending on the complexity of the issue and whether parts need to be replaced.

Can I drive my car with B0939 or should I stop immediately?

It is highly recommended that you do not drive your vehicle with the B0939 code active. The airbag system may not function correctly, which compromises your safety. If you notice this code, seek professional assistance immediately.

How can I diagnose B0939 myself using GeekOBD APP?

To diagnose B0939 using the GeekOBD APP, start by connecting your OBD2 scanner to the vehicle. Use the app to read the diagnostic trouble codes, review the freeze frame data, and run a system check to identify any other related issues.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by B0939?

Common vehicles affected by the B0939 code include the 2013-2017 Ford Escape and the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado. These models often report issues related to their airbag sensors, which may be part of recalls or service bulletins.

How can I prevent B0939 from happening again?

To prevent the B0939 code from recurring, ensure regular inspections of your vehicle’s airbag system, avoid physical damage to wiring (especially in older cars), and address any electrical issues as soon as they arise.

What is B0939?

The diagnostic trouble code B0939 indicates that there is a fault with the airbag sensor circuit, specifically related to the sensor's performance or its communication with the vehicle's airbag control module. When this code appears, it typically means that the airbag system is not functioning correctly, which can compromise the safety features designed to protect occupants during a collision. If your vehicle's airbag warning light is illuminated and you see this code, it is crucial to address the issue promptly. The B0939 code can arise from various factors, such as damaged wiring, a faulty airbag sensor, or issues within the airbag control module itself. Ignoring this code can lead to the airbag system being disabled, meaning that in the event of an accident, the airbags may not deploy, significantly increasing the risk of injury. It's important to understand that this code is considered a high severity issue, requiring immediate attention. Drivers of affected models, including the 2013-2017 Ford Escape and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, should consult a professional technician to ensure the airbag system is properly diagnosed and repaired.

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

Symptoms

Common symptoms when B0939 is present:

  • The airbag warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a fault in the airbag system.
  • There might be erratic behavior in the airbag system, such as occasional false warnings or deactivation of the airbag system.
  • In some cases, the vehicle's safety features may be disabled, affecting features like traction control or stability control.
  • The vehicle may exhibit a delay in the deployment of airbags during a crash, leading to safety concerns.
  • Increased diagnostics errors may show in the OBD2 system, indicating multiple airbag-related issues.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of B0939 (ordered by frequency):

  1. The most common cause of the B0939 code is damaged wiring or connectors related to the airbag sensor, with a likelihood of around 60%. These issues can often arise from wear and tear or physical damage due to accidents.
  2. Another common cause is a faulty airbag sensor itself, which can fail due to electrical issues or internal component failure, accounting for about 25% of occurrences.
  3. Improper installation or replacement of airbag components can lead to B0939, particularly if aftermarket parts are used or if the installation was not performed correctly.
  4. Less common but serious causes include faults within the airbag control module, which may require replacement or reprogramming, representing about 10% of cases.
  5. A rare cause could be software glitches in the vehicle's onboard computer, which may require a firmware update or reset to rectify.

B0939 Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Airbag Sensor Replacement

Replacing a faulty airbag sensor to restore proper function of the airbag system.

  • Total: $200 - $600
  • Success rate: 95%
Wiring Repair

Repairing damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag sensor circuit.

  • Total: $100 - $300
  • Success rate: 90%
Airbag Control Module Replacement

Replacing the airbag control module if it's determined to be faulty.

  • Total: $500 - $1200
  • Success rate: 85%
Money-Saving Tips for B0939
  • 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 B0939 Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B0939. 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 in the airbag sensor circuit (5-10 minutes)

Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in the airbag sensor circuit (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 - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context; ensure you're using the latest version of the app (10-15 minutes)

Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context; ensure you're using the latest version of the 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 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specialized diagnostic tools to test the airbag sensor and wiring integrity (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specialized diagnostic tools to test the airbag sensor and wiring integrity (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 - Verify the operation of the airbag system after repairs and clear the codes to see if they return (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: System function test - Verify the operation of the airbag system after repairs and clear the codes to see if they return (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 all systems are functioning correctly and the airbag light remains off (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and the airbag light remains off (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: Ford Escape Airbag Sensor Replacement

Vehicle: 2015 Ford Escape, 45,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported airbag warning light on the dashboard.

Diagnosis: Using the GeekOBD APP, the technician retrieved the B0939 code and performed a visual inspection, revealing damaged wiring.

Solution: The damaged wiring was repaired and the airbag sensor was replaced to restore functionality.

Cost: $450 (including parts and labor)

Result: After repairs, the airbag system was successfully tested, and the warning light remained off.

Case Study 2: Chevrolet Silverado Airbag Control Module Issue

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, 60,000 miles

Problem: Customer experienced intermittent airbag warning light.

Diagnosis: Diagnostic testing revealed a faulty airbag control module after further inspection with the GeekOBD APP.

Solution: The airbag control module was replaced, and the system was recalibrated.

Cost: $850 (specific cost breakdown included parts and labor)

Result: Post-repair testing confirmed the airbag system was fully operational with no warning lights present.

Diagnose B0939

Use GeekOBD APP for professional diagnosis!

  • Real-time data monitoring
  • Advanced diagnostic features
  • Step-by-step repair guidance
  • Professional-grade analysis
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Code Information

Code: B0939
System: Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Body Codes