B0003 — Driver frontal airbag — stage 3 deployment control

B0003 concerns the driver's third frontal-airbag deployment circuit where that system is fitted. FCA documents the particular B0003-2B wiring-short case alongside steering-column communication errors. The base code alone does not distinguish that case from other manufacturer subfaults or justify replacing the airbag.

Affected system: Supplemental restraint system (SRS)

Symptoms

• Airbag warning lamp.
• In FCA case S2108000180, wipers staying on can accompany steering-column communication faults; this is not a symptom of every B0003.

Possible causes

• For B0003-2B in the cited FCA case: a wiring-short condition in the driver airbag squib circuit.
• Unsecured connector assurance locks or steering-column connections are inspection targets in that case, not a universal diagnosis.

What to check

• Save the complete SRS DTC, including its suffix, and confirm that the vehicle uses the referenced third-stage circuit.
• If the suffix is 2B, compare the exact vehicle and symptoms with FCA case S2108000180. Otherwise use the appropriate manufacturer fault path.
• Record related B0001/B0002 and U0212/U121E/U112D codes to distinguish an isolated deployment circuit from a wider steering-column connection problem.
• Have a qualified SRS technician check connector seating and assurance locks using the model-specific deactivation procedure. Do not probe or energise airbag firing terminals.
• Retest the SRS and the affected steering-column functions after correcting a confirmed connection fault. Do not replace parts solely because the base code is present.

Also written as: B0003-00, B000300, BO003 (some scan tools add the fault-type byte, e.g. -00).