B1049: How to Diagnose & Fix — Manufacturer-Specific Body Code (GM: Audio Output #3 Left-Rear Circuit Open)
2 vehicles · 1 makes · $300-$900 repair
How to diagnose and fix B1049: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Nissan Sentra · 2023–2025
Some owners report airbag warning lights, loss of steering-wheel audio/cruise buttons, and intermittent horn operation traced to the spiral cable/clock spring assembly. When the clock spring develops an internal open circuit, it can interrupt communication and power to steering-wheel-mounted systems and potentially affect the driver's airbag circuit. While not every case results in an airbag fault, the safety implications make it significant.
Common Symptoms
- Airbag warning light on
- Horn inoperative
- Cruise control buttons stop working
- Audio controls on steering wheel fail
- Intermittent warning lights when turning the wheel
How to Fix
Diagnose by checking for steering-wheel switch communication faults and continuity through the spiral cable while turning the wheel lock-to-lock. If the clock spring is faulty, replacement of the spiral cable assembly followed by steering angle sensor initialization or related calibration may be needed. Any airbag-related warning should be addressed promptly and not ignored.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan clockspring 25554-6LB0A without heated steering wheel
Confirm VIN and equipment, and center/install by the SRS procedure.
- Genuine Nissan clockspring 25554-6LB2A with heated steering wheel
Confirm VIN and actual wheel equipment; not the non-heated 6LB0A branch.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipIf the horn and steering-wheel buttons fail together, ask the shop to test the clock spring before replacing switches or modules.
Nissan Rogue · 2008–2013
A known failure point on many Nissan models of this era is the steering wheel spiral cable (clock spring), which can break internally from repeated wheel rotation. On Rogue, owners report the airbag warning light illuminating along with loss of horn, cruise control, or audio controls on the steering wheel. Because it affects the driver airbag circuit, the issue has clear safety implications even if the vehicle remains drivable.
Common Symptoms
- Airbag warning light on
- Horn inoperative
- Cruise control buttons stop working
- Audio or phone buttons on steering wheel fail
- Intermittent SRS light after turning wheel
How to Fix
Diagnosis involves checking for SRS codes, verifying horn and steering wheel switch operation, and testing continuity through the spiral cable with the wheel centered. Repair is replacement of the clock spring/spiral cable assembly followed by proper steering angle alignment and SRS code clearing; battery disconnect and airbag handling precautions are essential.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan Rogue combination-switch body/clock spring B5567-CB66A
Supply VIN and confirm the current catalog choice before purchase.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipUse a quality replacement and keep the wheel centered during installation to avoid damaging the new clock spring.
Sources for this issue (2)
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B1049 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does B1049 mean?
B1049 stands for "Manufacturer-Specific Body Code (GM: Audio Output #3 Left-Rear Circuit Open)." B1049 is a manufacturer-specific body code whose meaning depends on the vehicle maker. On GM/Chevrolet vehicles it generally refers to the audio amplifier output #3 (left-rear speaker) circuit being open, meaning the module detected a break in the wiring to that speaker. On some other makes a B1049 may map to a different body/comfort circuit, so the definition should be confirmed for the specific vehicle. It is typically a comfort/convenience fault rather than a safety issue.
What are the most common causes of B1049?
The most common causes of B1049 are: Open or broken wiring to the left-rear speaker, Faulty or blown speaker, Corroded or loose speaker connector, Damaged radio/amplifier output stage, Chafed or pinched harness behind trim or in door, Poor ground at the audio module. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix B1049?
Repair costs for B1049 range from $300 to $900, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by B1049?
Au7o has documented B1049 across 2 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Nissan.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.