Poor connection or corroded or loose connector at the second row left seat, trim or pillar; Damaged or chafed wiring in the harness, for example from seat movement, rear seat folding or previous repair work; Faulty deployment device (squib, pretensioner or airbag module) at the second row left position, with resistance out of specification; Incorrectly fitted or disturbed restraint components after a repair, seat removal or trim work; Water ingress or corrosion in the floor, sill or seat area affecting the circuit; Fault in the restraint control module.

B0033

Second Row Left Frontal Stage 3 Deployment Control.

Generic
Body
Generic code
High severity

How this code is built

B: SystemBody
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaBody area 0
33: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

B0033 is the generic SAE J2012 code for a fault in the Second Row Left Frontal Stage 3 Deployment Control circuit. The restraint control module checks the resistance and voltage of the deployment (squib) circuit for this second-row left restraint device, and it set the code because the readings were open, shorted or out of range. How many stages the vehicle has, and which device sits at this position, depends on the model.

Symptoms

Airbag or SRS warning light on
Possible message on the dash about a restraint system fault
Second row left restraint may not deploy in a crash while the fault is present
Fault may come and go if a connector or wire is damaged
Other restraint codes stored alongside it, such as for the same seat or harness

Possible causes

Poor connection or corroded or loose connector at the second row left seat, trim or pillarlikely
Damaged or chafed wiring in the harness, for example from seat movement, rear seat folding or previous repair worklikely
Faulty deployment device (squib, pretensioner or airbag module) at the second row left position, with resistance out of specificationpossible
Incorrectly fitted or disturbed restraint components after a repair, seat removal or trim workpossible
Water ingress or corrosion in the floor, sill or seat area affecting the circuitpossible
Fault in the restraint control modulerare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data and any other SRS faults, as these help to locate the circuit affected
Ask about recent work, seat removal, accident repairs or water leaks around the second row left area
Make the SRS system safe following the manufacturer's procedure, including battery disconnection and the required wait time, before touching any restraint connectors
Visually inspect the connectors and wiring for the second row left restraint device for damage, corrosion, bent or pushed-back pins and trapped harness
Check that connector locks and shorting clips are intact and fully seated
Check live data on the scan tool, if the vehicle supports it, for the circuit status (open, short to ground or short to voltage)
Measure the circuit using only the manufacturer's approved method and never apply a test voltage or ordinary test lamp to a squib circuit
Clear the codes after the repair and confirm they do not return, then check that the SRS light goes out

How to fix

Repair or replace corroded, damaged or loose connectors and terminals
Repair or replace damaged wiring using the manufacturer's approved method
Replace the faulty restraint device at the second row left position if it is confirmed faulty
Refit or correct any components that were installed incorrectly after previous work
Dry out and treat water damage, and fix the leak that caused it
Replace or reprogramme the restraint control module only if it is confirmed faulty, following the manufacturer's procedure

Can I keep driving?

High severity

The car may still be driven, but the restraint at this seat may not work in a crash, so have it inspected as soon as possible. Avoid carrying passengers in the affected seat until it has been repaired.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.