B0106 – Passenger squib circuit open

B0106 means the airbag system has a fault in the passenger airbag inflator circuit, and the passenger airbag may not work in a crash. You will usually see the airbag/SRS warning light, and the system may disable that stage to prevent an unintended deployment. According to factory diagnostic data, this code indicates a “Passenger squib circuit open.” “Open” means the SRS module does not see the expected electrical continuity through the passenger squib circuit. This is safety-critical work. Depower and disable the SRS using OEM procedures before touching any yellow connectors or SRS wiring.

B0106 Quick Answer

The B0106 code points to an open circuit in the passenger airbag squib loop. Start by safely disabling SRS, then inspect the passenger airbag connectors and harness for disconnects, bent pins, or corrosion before considering any parts.

What Does B0106 Mean?

B0106 is an SRS/airbag fault code defined as “Passenger squib circuit open.” In plain terms, the airbag control module detects that the passenger airbag igniter circuit does not look electrically complete. That matters because the module cannot reliably fire the passenger airbag if it cannot verify the circuit.

Technically, the SRS module continuously checks the passenger squib loop for continuity and plausible resistance using its internal diagnostics. When the loop goes open, the module stores B0106 and commands the airbag warning lamp. The code identifies a suspected trouble area, not a confirmed failed airbag. You must verify the circuit with OEM-approved methods and a scan tool that can access SRS data.

Theory of Operation

The passenger airbag “squib” is the igniter inside the passenger airbag module. The SRS control module monitors that igniter circuit through dedicated wiring and connectors. It expects a complete loop so it can both supervise the circuit and deploy the airbag when commanded.

An “open” occurs when the loop loses continuity anywhere between the SRS module and the passenger airbag inflator. Common break points include a loose connector, a damaged harness, or high resistance that effectively becomes an open. Many vehicles also route this circuit through a shorting bar style connector. That connector protects against static deployment when disconnected, but it can create false opens if pins spread or the lock does not .

Symptoms

B0106 symptoms usually show up as an SRS warning and a disabled passenger airbag function.

• Warning light: airbag/SRS lamp stays on, often immediately at key-on self-test.
• Message center: “Airbag fault” or “SRS service required” displayed on the cluster.
• Passenger airbag status: passenger airbag may show OFF or suppressed, depending on vehicle logic and occupancy system strategy.
• Scan tool: B0106 stored as current/confirmed, sometimes with related B-codes for squib stages or connector faults.
• No deployment readiness: the module may inhibit deployment for the affected passenger squib stage until the fault is corrected.
• Intermittent behavior: lamp may turn on after movement or a dash impact if the circuit opens with vibration.

Common Causes

• Loose or partially seated passenger airbag (squib) connector: A connector that backs out even slightly opens the initiator loop and the SRS module flags B0106.
• High-resistance or open in the passenger squib circuit wiring: A broken conductor, stretched harness, or damaged insulation creates an open circuit the module cannot validate.
• Corrosion or terminal fretting at SRS connectors: Oxidation or micro-movement increases resistance until the module interprets the circuit as open.
• Damaged harness near the dash, glove box, or track area: Pinched, rubbed, or cut wiring from prior repairs or accessory installs can open the squib loop.
• Incorrect or missing shorting bar function in the airbag connector: Some SRS connectors use a shorting bar for safety; if it sticks or breaks, it can prevent proper circuit continuity when connected.
• Aftermarket accessory wiring interference: Remote starts, alarms, audio work, or dash cam routing can disturb SRS harness routing and pull on the squib circuit.
• Previous collision repair or interior removal error: A replaced dash, airbag, or harness section may leave a poor pin fit or wrong connector engagement that opens the circuit.
• Internal fault in the SRS control module (rare): A failed driver circuit or internal connection can mimic an open circuit, but only after every external circuit check passes.

Diagnosis Steps

Tools: a scan tool with full SRS access, OEM wiring diagrams, and a DVOM used with OEM-approved SRS test adapters only. Depower the SRS before touching any yellow SRS connector, and follow the OEM wait time. Do not probe squib pins with standard meter leads. Use voltage-drop testing under load for powers and grounds.

1. Confirm B0106 with an SRS-capable scan tool and record code status (current/history) and any companion SRS codes. Save freeze frame or event data if the module provides it.
2. Review freeze frame/event data for conditions when B0106 set. Focus on battery voltage, ignition state, and whether the fault set on key-on or during driving. Remember the difference: freeze frame shows what happened when the DTC set; a scan tool snapshot can capture an intermittent open during a wiggle test.
3. Follow OEM SRS depowering procedures before any hands-on work. Disconnect the battery as specified and wait the required time for capacitor discharge.
4. Inspect the passenger squib circuit path visually before meter work. Check harness routing, recent interior work areas, pinch points, and any signs of dash removal, collision repair, or accessory wiring.
5. Check SRS fuses and power distribution feeds for the airbag system. Verify the correct fuse types and seating, and inspect fuse box terminals for heat or looseness. Do this before testing at the SRS module.
6. Verify SRS module power and ground integrity with voltage-drop testing under load after you restore power per OEM steps. Load the circuit with the system powered and measure ground drop; keep ground drop under 0.1V. Do not rely on continuity checks alone.
7. Depower the SRS again and inspect the passenger airbag connector and terminals. Look for spread pins, pushed-out terminals, corrosion, or evidence of terminal fretting. Confirm the connector locks and CPA devices engage fully.
8. Use the OEM-approved method to check the passenger squib circuit for opens without deploying an airbag. Many manufacturers require a dedicated SRS load tool or simulator at the harness side. Follow the service information exactly and never substitute resistors or improvised jumpers.
9. If the OEM procedure allows, perform a harness continuity check end-to-end with the airbag disconnected and the circuit isolated. Flex the harness during the test to locate an intermittent open, and watch for resistance changes that indicate a broken conductor.
10. Reassemble connectors, restore power per OEM procedure, and clear SRS codes only after completing repairs. Cycle the ignition and confirm B0106 does not reset, then run the OEM SRS self-test and recheck for pending or history codes.

Professional tip: If B0106 returns immediately at key-on after a clear, treat it as a hard open. Start at the passenger airbag connector and harness strain points. If the code appears as history and returns only after movement, use a scan tool snapshot during a controlled wiggle test to catch the moment the circuit opens.

Possible Fixes

• Repair the passenger squib circuit wiring and restore proper routing and strain relief.
• Clean, tighten, or replace affected terminals or connector bodies using OEM-approved SRS repair kits.
• Correct connector seating issues and reinstall CPA/lock devices to prevent partial engagement.
• Remove or reroute aftermarket wiring that stresses or interferes with the SRS harness.
• Replace a damaged passenger airbag module only after circuit integrity tests confirm the harness and connectors test good per OEM procedures.
• Replace or reprogram the SRS control module only after all external wiring, connectors, and approved load tests pass.

Can I Still Drive With B0106?

You can usually drive the vehicle with B0106, but you should not treat it as “safe.” B0106 means the airbag control module sees an open circuit in the passenger squib circuit. That can disable the passenger airbag function, and some vehicles may disable other SRS functions as a precaution. The car will still steer, brake, and accelerate normally. The risk shows up in a crash, not during normal driving. Do not probe SRS connectors or wiring with standard test leads. Follow OEM depower procedures before touching any SRS connector. Plan repairs soon, and use a scan tool that can access SRS data and perform proper post-repair checks.

How Serious Is This Code?

B0106 is serious because it points to a potentially compromised Supplemental Restraint System. It does not confirm a failed airbag. It confirms the module cannot “see” the passenger squib circuit correctly. Sometimes the issue stays limited to the passenger airbag circuit. Other times the module inhibits deployment strategies, depending on the platform. Inconvenience includes an airbag warning lamp and an inspection failure in many regions. Safety risk rises immediately because you cannot assume the passenger airbag will deploy when needed. Treat diagnosis as safety-critical work. Use OEM-approved SRS test methods, correct depowering steps, and SRS-capable scan equipment. If you lack SRS training, do not DIY this repair.

Common Misdiagnoses

Parts get replaced too early on B0106. The most common mistake involves condemning the passenger airbag module without proving an open circuit in the harness or connectors. Another frequent error involves ignoring the passenger and dash harness routing. track movement and glove box work often stretch or pinch the squib wiring. Technicians also skip checking connector locks and shorting bars. Those safety features can create an “open” reading if they do not correctly. Some shops clear codes repeatedly and miss a hard open that resets instantly. Avoid waste by confirming the code status (pending vs confirmed), using the correct SRS breakout/adapters, and proving continuity and resistance within OEM methods.

Most Likely Fix

The most common confirmed B0106 repair involves correcting a connection problem in the passenger squib circuit. Focus first on connector fit, terminal tension, and corrosion at the passenger airbag connector and the SRS harness connectors in that branch. Many vehicles develop harness damage from movement, dash work, or prior collision repairs. A proper fix often includes repairing the harness with OEM-approved SRS repair practices or replacing the affected sub-harness. After repairs, confirm the result with an SRS-capable scan tool, then run the OEM SRS self-check procedure. Drive time to confirm varies by vehicle, so follow service information for the exact confirmation criteria.

Repair Costs

SRS/airbag repair costs vary significantly by component. Diagnosis must be performed by a qualified technician with SRS-capable equipment. Do not attempt airbag system repairs without proper training and safety procedures.

Last updated: March 30, 2026