B1049: How to Diagnose & Fix — Manufacturer-Specific Body Code (GM: Audio Output #3 Left-Rear Circuit Open)
4 vehicles · 1 makes · $150-$1,400 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 Versa · 2007–2022
The Versa's NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System weighs the front passenger via an occupant classification sensor mat and bladder built into the passenger seat cushion, plus a seat-belt tension sensor. The pressure mat's printed circuit traces crack from repeated seat loading, and the harness that runs under the seat frame chafes or corrodes at the connector. When the OCS control unit sees an implausible or open-circuit reading it fails safe and leaves the 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' telltale illuminated with a normal-sized adult seated — meaning the passenger front airbag will not deploy in a crash. Owners report the light behaving erratically first (going out only when the passenger shifts position) before staying on permanently. Nissan's service remedy is often a re-zero/reflash of the OCS control unit rather than parts, so a good number of cars are fixed without a seat teardown, but a genuinely failed mat requires the seat cushion assembly.
Common Symptoms
- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light stays lit with an adult in the seat
- Airbag warning light on in the instrument cluster
- Passenger airbag status light flickers when passenger shifts weight
- Light goes out only if the passenger sits in an unnatural position
- Airbag system stores occupant-sensor fault codes
How to Fix
Do not clear it and ignore it. Have the airbag system scanned for OCS/occupant-sensor codes. First step is inspecting and reseating the connectors under the passenger seat for chafe, corrosion, or a pinched harness from cargo shoved under the seat. If wiring is sound, the dealer performs the OCS control-unit zero-point reset/reprogram, which resolves a large share of cases. If the sensor mat itself is open, the passenger seat cushion assembly with integrated OCS mat must be replaced and the system recalibrated. Bypassing or resistor-spoofing the sensor is discussed on forums but defeats a federally mandated restraint and should not be done.
Sources for this issue (4)
Nissan Maxima · 2007–2018
The passenger seat cushion contains an Occupant Classification System pressure sensor mat and control unit that decide whether the front passenger airbag is armed. The mat's bladder or its pressure sensor drifts out of calibration as the seat foam wears, and the connectors under the seat corrode or fret loose from seat travel. The result is the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF lamp staying lit with an adult in the seat - the airbag is genuinely disabled - usually with an air bag warning light and a stored B1018-family OCS code. Nissan issued OCS-related recalls covering several Maxima model years, so a VIN check should always come before paying for parts.
Common Symptoms
- Passenger Air Bag OFF light on with an adult passenger seated
- Air bag / SRS warning light illuminated
- Passenger airbag status light flickers between on and off
- Light returns after a battery disconnect
How to Fix
Check the VIN for an open OCS recall or software reprogram first. If none applies, start with the connectors under the passenger seat and the seat ground, since a loose or corroded plug mimics a failed mat. Many cases are resolved by a dealer OCS zero-point calibration/reset with a CONSULT-grade scan tool after the code is cleared. A genuinely failed mat is not sold separately - Nissan supplies the sensor and control unit only as part of the front passenger seat cushion assembly, which is the expensive outcome. Do not fit a bypass emulator; it permanently defeats the passenger airbag logic.
Sources for this issue (2)
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
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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 $150 to $1,400, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by B1049?
Au7o has documented B1049 across 4 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Nissan.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.