2008 Saturn Vue OBD2 Code B1915 Air Bag Driver Circuit Failure

B1915 code definition

The B1915 diagnostic trouble code is an indication that the air bag driver circuit has failed.

What the B1915 code means

There are several components that aid in the deployment of the driver side airbag when/if your 2008 Saturn Vue is in an accident. The air bag deployment system will not be able to work as intended if one or more of these components are not working properly. When this happens, the air bags will not deploy and the driver and passengers will not be provided protection from the impact of a crash. When the B1915 diagnostic trouble code has been stored and the air bag light is on, this usually indicates that there is a short to battery in the air bag driver circuit. This may also be an indication that there is a short in the clockspring wiring or Air Bag Control Module wiring.

What causes the B1915 code?

• Air bag driver circuit wiring that is frayed, broken, shorted, or corroded
• Faulty air bag deployment system components
• Clock spring wiring that is frayed, broken, shorted, or corroded
• Faulty clock spring
• A damaged or shorted wire in the clock spring wiring harness
• A damaged or shorted wire in the air bag control module wiring harness
• Faulty air bag control module

What are the symptoms of the B1915 code?

• Air bag light is on
• Car horn is not working
• B1915 diagnostic trouble code is stored in the Air Bag Control Module
• Air bag system is disabled and the driver side air bag does not deploy in the event of an accident

How does a mechanic diagnose the B1915 code?

• Diagnostic trouble codes should be diagnosed in the order that they appear when scanned.
• Use an OBD-II scanner to collect all stored trouble codes as well as freeze frame data.
• Inspect the air bag driver circuit wiring for frays, breaks, shorts, and corrosion.
• Repair or replace faulty air bag driver circuit wiring as necessary.
• Complete a test drive to see if the B1915 diagnostic trouble code comes back.
• If the B1915 trouble code does come back, inspect the clock spring wiring for frays, breaks, shorts, and corrosion.
• Repair or replace faulty clock spring wiring as necessary
• Inspect the clock spring for damage and proper operation.
• Replace the clock spring if it is damaged and/or not working properly.
• Complete a test drive to see if the B1915 diagnostic trouble code comes back.
• If the B1915 trouble code does come back, inspect the wiring in the air bag wiring harness for damage or corrosion.
• Repair or replace wiring in the air bag wiring harness as necessary.
• Disconnect the air bag control module connector and test for shorts to ground, shorts to power supply, and open terminals.
• If any shorts and/or open terminals exist, replace the air bag control module wiring harness.
• Complete a test drive to see if the B1915 diagnostic trouble code comes back.
• If the B1915 trouble code does come back, inspect the wiring in the clock spring wiring harness for damage or corrosion.
• Repair or replace wiring in the clock spring wiring harness as necessary.
• Disconnect the clock spring connector and test for shorts to ground, shorts to power supply, and open terminals.
• If any shorts and/or open terminals exist, replace the clock spring wiring harness.
• Complete a test drive to see if the B1915 diagnostic trouble code comes back.
• If the B1915 trouble code does come back, inspect the driver side air bag clockspring connector for cracking or chipping.
• If the driver side air bag clockspring connector is cracked or chipped, replace the driver's side air bag.
• Complete a test drive to see if the B1915 diagnostic trouble code comes back.
• If the B1915 trouble code does come back, check the resistance of the air bag control module and make sure that it falls within the manufacturer's specified range.
• If the resistance of the air bag control module does not fall within the manufacturer's specified range, the air bag control module will need to be replaced.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the B1915 code

When replacing the clock spring, it is important to make sure that it is not moved from its set position as this may cause the clock spring to become defective. Be sure to inspect the clock spring wiring for damage and corrosion before making your diagnosis. Damage and corrosion in the clock spring wiring is commonly overlooked as the cause of the B1915 diagnostic trouble code. Also be sure to check the air in the steering wheel.

How serious is the B1915 code?

A diagnostic trouble code is normally considered serious when it causes drivability issues or a change in performance. The B1915 diagnostic trouble code will prevent the air bag system from working properly and the air bags will not deploy if your 2008 Saturn Vue is involved in an accident. For this reason, the B1915 trouble code is considered serious and extremely dangerous. It should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

What repairs can fix the B1915 code?

• Repair or replace air bag driver circuit wiring that is frayed, broken, shorted, or corroded .

• Replace faulty air bag deployment system components.

• Repair or replace clock spring wiring that is frayed, broken, shorted, or corroded .

• Replace faulty clock spring.

• Repair or replace damaged or broken wiring in the clock spring wiring harness, and/or the air bag wiring harness .

• Replace air bag control module.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the B1915 code

The air bag system should be properly disabled prior to completing any repair. If not properly disabled, the air bags may go off and cause serious bodily injury. It is also important to use great care when replacing the clock spring to not move it out of position. This may cause the clock spring to be defective.

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