What Does the Engine Code B0028 Mean?

The engine code B0028 indicates a problem with your vehicle’s right side airbag deployment loop.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
If your vehicle is showing the engine code B0028, this means there is a problem with your vehicle’s right side deployment loop, and potentially a shorting issue between components of your car’s safety restraint system.
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are very handy and help you determine which component is giving your vehicle trouble.
Reading trouble codes with an OBD reader
(which stands for On-Board Diagnostics) is key to understanding the problem affecting your car and finding the right solution to the issue.
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What does the engine code P0420 mean?

Definition: Right side airbag deployment control
Engine code B0028 alerts you to a problem with your passenger side airbag deployment loop, which is part of your car’s safety restraint system (SRS).
Your SRS system is a key safety component in your car and acts as a backup to the first line of defense inside your vehicle—seat belts. All new vehicles sold in the U.S. are required to have SRS systems.

How much will it cost to fix?

If you are replacing your right-side airbag deployment control, expect this procedure to take a mechanic about an hour. Depending on the mechanic’s labor costs and the price for any parts, this should cost between $75 and $150 to repair.

What can cause the P0420 engine code?

Typically, electrical shorts or poor connections will cause engine code B0028 to alert you that there is a problem:
  • Defective front side airbag module
  • Harness for front side airbag module is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection within front side airbag module

Common symptoms of the B0028 engine code

The most common symptom indicating an issue with the passenger side airbag will be that an
airbag indicator light
will be illuminated on your instrument panel.
Another common symptom is under-performance of your SRS system. Of course, this could mean that your airbags aren’t working properly, so if you have any indication that something is wrong with your car’s airbags, get the vehicle checked out immediately.

How serious is the P0420 engine code?

Your car’s airbags—and the SRS in general—are essential to you and your passengers’ safety while in the vehicle. Get a qualified and licensed mechanic to inspect the SRS to ensure it is working properly.

Can I fix the B0028 engine code myself?

Fixing your vehicle’s SRS system is not recommended—this is a vital piece of safety equipment, and tampering with it can cause the airbags to mistakenly deploy, which can cause serious injury or death.
Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic so they can properly inspect and, if necessary, repair any issues stemming from engine code B0028.

Mechanic’s steps to fix the issue

  • First, the mechanic will clear the engine code to see if that resolves the issue—occasionally, an old code can be present in the system, indicating a problem that doesn’t exist
  • If the code remains, a visual inspection will be performed, with an eye out for broken wiring or loose connections
  • The mechanic will check for any technical service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, which may help pinpoint the issue
  • The mechanic will check the SRS circuits to ensure they are intact, as well as the shorting bars, which are responsible for connecting terminals when connectors are removed, thus preventing the airbags from accidentally deploying
  • The SRS module will be inspected—software may be out of date and causing problems
  • Lastly, if necessary, the airbag will be replaced—this can be dangerous and should be performed by a professional only

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