B0113 – Side impact module-Right Rear high circuit is less than 2.4 volts

System: Body | Standard: ISO/SAE Controlled | Fault type: Circuit

Definition source: SAE J2012 naming/structure guidance (verify exact wording against your official DTC dataset)

B0113 means the vehicle has detected an electrical problem in the right-rear side impact module “high” circuit where the voltage is reading below 2.4 volts. In real-world terms, this is a body/SRS-related fault that can cause the airbag/pretensioner warning light to turn on and may disable part of the side-impact protection strategy until the circuit fault is corrected. While the engine may run normally, safety systems can be affected. Because wiring layouts and module locations vary by make/model/year, confirm the exact circuit and pinout in a wiring diagram, then verify with voltage, ground, and continuity testing before replacing any parts.

The B0113 code indicates the right-rear side impact module high signal circuit is being seen under 2.4 volts, usually due to a wiring/connector voltage drop, short-to-ground, or poor power/ground integrity, and it can trigger an SRS warning and reduced side-impact airbag readiness.

What Does B0113 Mean?

The meaning of B0113 is that the control module monitoring the side impact module circuit detects the “high” circuit voltage is lower than the expected threshold (less than 2.4 V). Despite the term “high circuit,” the fault described is a low-voltage condition on that specific line. This typically points to unwanted resistance, a short to ground, a partially unplugged connector, corrosion in terminals, or a module power/ground problem that pulls the line low. Always confirm the affected connector, terminal ID, and test points with the correct service information for your vehicle.

Theory of Operation

Side impact sensing systems commonly use a dedicated side impact module (or satellite sensor/module) and a communication/signal circuit back to an airbag control module. Under normal operation, the monitored circuit will rest within a specified voltage window, and the airbag control module continuously checks that the circuit voltage is plausible and stable. If the voltage drops below a calibrated threshold (2.4 V for this DTC), the module interprets the circuit as out of range and stores B0113.

A low reading on the “high” circuit can occur when the line is being pulled toward ground, when there is excessive voltage drop from high resistance (corroded terminals, damaged conductors), or when the side impact module is not receiving proper power/ground and its output collapses. Because SRS circuits are safety-critical, even brief drops can set a code; confirming whether the fault is current or history and reproducing it with a wiggle test is often key to diagnosing B0113 correctly.

Symptoms

• Airbag warning light: SRS/airbag indicator illuminated and B0113 stored as current or history
• Safety system message: “Service Airbag/SRS” or similar warning displayed in the cluster
• Stored SRS faults: Additional side-impact related codes may accompany B0113 if the same harness section is affected
• Intermittent behavior: Warning light may come and go with vibration, seat movement, or temperature/humidity changes
• Reduced protection: Some side-impact or pretensioner functions may be disabled or placed in a default strategy until the circuit fault is resolved
• Post-repair/no-start confusion: Engine runs normally, but the persistent SRS light leads to failed inspection or customer concern despite no drivability symptoms

Common Causes

• Cause: High-resistance or partially open wiring in the Side Impact Module (Right Rear) high circuit (damaged conductor, stretched harness, prior repair)
• Cause: Loose, backed-out, or corroded terminals at the right rear side impact module connector causing voltage drop under load
• Cause: Poor ground path for the side impact module (high ground resistance) leading to the high circuit reading below the 2.4 V threshold
• Cause: Low module supply voltage (B+ feed issue, blown fuse, weak power feed, poor splice) reducing circuit voltage available at the module
• Cause: Short-to-ground or chafing-to-metal on the “high” circuit pulling the line low (especially where the harness passes through body panels)
• Cause: Water intrusion in the right rear quarter area causing connector contamination and leakage paths that drag voltage down
• Cause: Internal fault in the right rear side impact module affecting the high circuit input/output behavior (verify before replacing)
• Cause: Network or shared reference issues (if the circuit shares reference/return paths) causing the measured “high” circuit voltage to fall below 2.4 V

Diagnosis Steps

Use a capable scan tool that can read body/SRS data, a digital multimeter with a min/max function, and the correct wiring diagram for your exact vehicle (pinouts vary by make/model/year). A back-probe kit, terminal test adapters, and a known-good ground lead help you measure the “high” circuit voltage and perform voltage-drop tests without damaging connectors.

1. Verify the DTC: scan for B0113 and record all body/SRS codes, status (current/history), and any available freeze-frame or environment data. Address power/ground-related body/SRS codes first if present.
2. Confirm the affected circuit and module location using the wiring diagram and service information for your exact vehicle. Do not assume pin assignments; verify the “Right Rear side impact module high circuit” at the connector/pin called out for B0113.
3. Perform a careful visual inspection of the right rear impact module area and harness routing: look for crushed wiring, chafing, pinch points, water tracks, or aftermarket work (audio, body repair) near the harness.
4. Inspect the connector and terminals at the right rear side impact module: check for corrosion, moisture, fretting, loose tension, or backed-out terminals. Correct any physical issues before electrical testing.
5. With the system powered as specified by service info, measure module power and ground quality: check B+ at the module connector and perform a voltage-drop test on the ground circuit (ground to battery negative) while the circuit is loaded if possible. Excessive drop indicates ground path resistance.
6. Measure the “high” circuit voltage at the module connector and compare it to the code threshold logic: B0113 sets when the high circuit is less than 2.4 volts. If you read below 2.4 V, leave the meter connected and wiggle the harness and connector to locate intermittents.
7. If the voltage is low, isolate whether the circuit is being pulled down: disconnect the right rear side impact module (as allowed by service procedures) and re-check the high circuit voltage on the harness side. If voltage rises, suspect module loading or internal fault; if it stays low, suspect wiring/short-to-ground/power feed issues.
8. Check for short-to-ground: with power off and circuits safely de-energized per OEM procedure, measure resistance from the high circuit to chassis ground. Low resistance suggests chafing or moisture contamination. Follow the harness to common rub points and repair as needed.
9. Perform continuity and resistance checks end-to-end on the high circuit (and any paired low/return circuit if applicable) between the module connector and the controlling node/termination specified by the diagram. Look for opens and high resistance; compare to a known-good circuit if available.
10. After repairs, clear codes and perform a functional verification: re-scan to confirm B0113 does not return. Road-test and re-check for pending/history codes. If the code returns immediately, re-verify power/ground integrity and connector pin fit before considering module replacement.

Professional tip: Don’t rely on a “static” voltage check alone. B0113 is a threshold fault (below 2.4 V), so use voltage-drop testing and a wiggle test to catch high-resistance connections that look fine with no load but collapse voltage when the circuit is active.

Possible Fixes

• Repair chafed wiring or an open/high-resistance section in the right rear side impact module high circuit
• Clean, dry, and re-seat connectors; repair terminal tension, corrosion, or backed-out pins at the module connector
• Restore power or ground integrity (replace a blown fuse, repair a poor ground, fix a weak B+ feed, repair splice damage)
• Correct water intrusion sources and replace contaminated connector components if leakage paths are present
• Replace the right rear side impact module only after confirming correct power/ground and verified circuit integrity
• Secure harness routing and add abrasion protection where rubbing/pinching caused the low-voltage condition

Can I Still Drive With B0113?

You can usually drive with the B0113 code present, but it is not considered “safe to ignore” because it involves the side impact module for the right rear and an abnormal circuit voltage condition (the high circuit reading less than 2.4 volts). In real-world terms, this can illuminate the airbag/SRS warning light and may disable or limit part of the supplemental restraint system. Driving may be possible with no change in engine performance, but crash protection could be reduced; schedule diagnosis as soon as possible and avoid carrying passengers if the SRS warning is on.

How Serious Is This Code?

B0113 is typically a high-severity body/SRS-related diagnostic code because it points to an electrical fault in the right rear side impact module high circuit, detected below a 2.4-volt threshold. While it usually won’t affect drivability, it can affect occupant safety by causing the restraint system to set a fault state, disable a portion of side impact protection, or store a hard fault that will not clear until the circuit issue is corrected. Treat B0113 as a priority repair, especially if the airbag light is illuminated.

Repair Costs

Last updated: March 21, 2026