B0020 on 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee: Airbag Light Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2017 Jeep CHEROKEE

The Jeep Cherokee (KL platform) and its corporate cousin, the Chrysler 200 (UF platform), are known for this specific issue. The wiring harness that runs from the floor to the airbag inflator inside the driver's seat is prone to stretching and breaking from normal seat movement. FCA (the parent company) acknowledged this design flaw by issuing Technical Service Bulletin 10-001-20, which provides a dedicated repair kit—a jumper harness (Part No. 68365479AA)—to resolve the open circuit without replacing the entire seat harness.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Airbag warning light (AWL) is continuously illuminated on the dashboard.
• A 'Service Airbag System' message may appear on the instrument cluster.

Most Likely Causes

1. Damaged or Broken Driver's Seat Airbag Wiring Harness 🔴 High Probability The wiring harness that flexes with seat movement is a known weak point. Over time, the wires can stretch and break, creating an open circuit. This is a well-documented design flaw affecting both the Cherokee (KL) and Chrysler 200 (UF) platforms.
   How to confirm: A technician will scan for the B0020-13 code. Diagnosis involves a visual inspection of the wiring under the driver's seat and may require continuity tests on the squib circuit between the connector and the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). A common diagnostic step is to short the two wires in the connector and see if the 'Circuit Open' code changes to a 'Circuit Shorted' code, which confirms the wiring from the connector to the ORC is intact.
   Typical fix: Installation of a manufacturer-specified jumper harness (Mopar Part No. 68365479AA) to bypass the broken section of the original wiring, as per TSB 10-001-20. The TSB recommends replacing the harnesses on *both* front seats even if a code is only present for one side.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Left Side Airbag Module (Squib): While less common than the wiring issue, the airbag module itself can fail internally. This is usually diagnosed after the wiring has been confirmed to be intact.
• Faulty Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC): It is rare for the main airbag control module to fail in a way that isolates this specific code, but it is a possibility if all other circuit components test correctly. Replacement can cost over $500.
• Connector Issues: Corrosion or loose pins at the main yellow seat connector under the seat or at the ORC can also cause an open circuit. Some owners have had temporary success by simply unplugging and replugging the connector, but the fault often returns because the underlying wire damage remains.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm the Airbag Warning Light is on.
2. Use a professional scan tool capable of reading SRS/ORC codes to confirm B0020-13 is present. Note if B0028-13 is also present.
3. CAUTION: Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal and wait at least 3-5 minutes for the system's capacitors to discharge before working on any airbag components. This is critical for safety.
4. Visually inspect the yellow wiring harness and connectors under the driver's seat. Look for any signs of chafing, pinching, or broken wires, particularly where the harness flexes and enters the seat back.
5. If no visible damage is found, a technician will follow the diagnostic procedure outlined in TSB 10-001-20.
6. This involves disconnecting connectors and using a special tool (an SRS inflator simulator or multimeter) to determine if the fault lies in the wiring or the airbag squib itself. A common field test is to check for continuity or short the connector pins to see if the code changes, proving the main harness is good.
7. After the repair, use a scan tool to clear all stored DTCs.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Front Seat Jumper Harness Kit (OEM #68365479AA) — This is the official manufacturer-prescribed fix to repair the open circuit in the seat wiring harness, as detailed in TSB 10-001-20. The kit provides a more robust section of wiring to bypass the failure point. The TSB recommends installing one on both the driver and passenger seats.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $60-$120
  Aftermarket price range: N/A

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B0028-13 — This code is for 'Right Side Seat Deployment Squib 1 - Circuit Open'. It is extremely common to see B0020-13 and B0028-13 together, as the wiring on both front seats is prone to the same failure. TSB 10-001-20 addresses both codes simultaneously and recommends repairing both sides regardless of which code is present.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 10-001-20: 'Airbag Warning Lamp (AWL) Illuminated B0028-13 and B0020-13' - This is the primary and current TSB, which involves installing a jumper harness (Part No. 68365479AA) in both front seats. It applies to both the Jeep Cherokee (KL) and Chrysler 200 (UF).
• 10-002-18: This earlier bulletin also addressed the seat harness issue but was superseded by TSB 10-001-20 on October 17, 2020, and should be disregarded.
• 9003579: Defines B0020-13 as 'Left Side Seat Deployment Squib 1-Circuit Open'.
• 68264880A$: Also defines B0020-13 as 'Left Side Seat Deployment Squib 1-Circuit Open'.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• An owner reported that the B0020-13 code would appear intermittently and not store in the module's memory, leading to a dealer refusing to perform the TSB repair. [NHTSA ODI #11558022]
• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins have been released by FCA for this exact issue, indicating it is a widespread and well-documented problem.
• On the related Chrysler 200, an owner reported having the harness replaced twice by the dealer, only for the light to return a third time. They found that wiggling the connection would temporarily fix the issue, highlighting the sensitive nature of the connection.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Driver's Side Airbag Squib Circuit Resistance — expected: Approximately 1.5 to 3.5 ohms. A common target is around 2.2 ohms.. Failure: A reading of 'OL' (Over Limit) or very high resistance (e.g., 65 ohms) indicates an open circuit, which is the condition for B0020-13.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B0020-13: The '-13' is a Failure Type code defined by FCA (and other manufacturers) that specifically means 'Circuit Open'. This confirms the ORC is not seeing the expected resistance from the squib circuit. (see via A professional scan tool capable of reading manufacturer-specific Body/SRS codes, such as the dealer-level wiTECH tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: ECU Flash / Reprogram ORC Module — Used to update the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) software. While not a direct fix for the B0020 wiring fault, ensuring the ORC has the latest software is a standard diagnostic step, especially if other intermittent electrical issues are present.
• wiTECH: Clear Stored DTCs — This function is required after the physical repair (installing the jumper harness) is complete. The airbag light will not turn off until the stored B0020-13 fault code is manually cleared from the ORC's memory.
• wiTECH: View Live Data / PID — Technicians can monitor the live resistance value of the squib circuit. Wiggling the harness under the seat while watching this data can confirm an intermittent open circuit if the resistance value spikes or goes to 'OL'.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Module — Underneath the center console, between the driver and passenger seats.. This is the central computer for the airbag system. All squib circuits, including the one for the driver's seat airbag (B0020), terminate here. A technician may need to test for continuity between the seat connector and the ORC connector to isolate the fault.
• Driver's Seat Airbag Connector — Under the driver's seat. It is a prominent yellow connector, which universally indicates an SRS (airbag) circuit.. This is the primary point of failure. The wires leading into this connector from the main body harness are where the break typically occurs. The TSB jumper harness is installed to bypass this weak point.
• G300 / G301 Ground Points — Under the carpet beneath the passenger (G300) and driver (G301) seats.. While not directly causing the 'Circuit Open' fault, poor grounds can cause a variety of intermittent electrical and module communication issues. Ensuring these grounds are clean and tight is good practice during any under-seat electrical work.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube - The Flat Rate Mechanic (Chrysler 200 (platform mate to Jeep Cherokee)) — Airbag light was on with codes B0020-13 (Left Side Seat Deployment Squib Circuit Open) and B0028-13 (Right Side).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The mechanic first performed a visual inspection and researched service information.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The mechanic disconnected the driver's side seat airbag connector and used a screwdriver to short the terminals on the vehicle harness side. After clearing codes, the scan tool showed a new code for 'Left side seat deployment squib wire shorted'. This proved the wiring from the connector to the ORC module was good. He then cleaned and re-seated the connectors on both the driver and passenger sides, cleared the codes, and the light stayed off, indicating the issue was a poor connection at the plug, likely caused by debris under the seat.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017+: Starting in the 2017/2018 model years, FCA began introducing a Secure Gateway Module (SGW) that prevents most aftermarket scan tools from performing bidirectional commands like clearing fault codes. While the B0020 fault and repair are the same, clearing the code after the repair on a 2017 model may require a dealer tool (wiTECH) or an aftermarket tool with a specific SGW bypass cable and subscription.