Code 12

2004 Subaru Baja Base, StandardSECTION Code 12
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Subaru Outback, 2003 Subaru Legacy, and 2003 Subaru Baja. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . After repairs are complete, check AIR BAG warning light to verify system is functioning correctly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
  1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove glove box. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connectors AB9 and AB10. See Figure. Connect test harness "K" (part number not available), connector 1K to connector AB9. See Fig 1. Connect 2 air bag resistors (98299PA040) to test harness "K" connectors 3K and 4K. Connect negative battery cable and turn ignition switch on. If AIR BAG warning light operates properly, replace passenger-side air bag module and go to step  5. See PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If AIR BAG warning light does not operate properly, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition switch off. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 20 seconds. Remove 2 air bag resistors from test harness "K" connectors 3K and 4K. Remove lower cover from driver-side instrument panel and disconnect connector AB3 from AB8. Disconnect connector AB6 from control module and connect connector AB6 to connector 1I in test harness I2 (98299FC041). Measure resistance between terminal No. 2 in connector 2I and terminal No. 4 in connector 3K in test harness "K". Measure resistance between terminal No. 5 in connector 2I and terminal No. 3 in connector 3K in test harness "K". If resistance is less than 10 ohms in both circuits, go to next step. If resistance is 10 ohms or more in one or both tests, replace main air bag harness and go to step  5.
  3. Measure resistance between test harness I2, connector 2I, terminals No. 2 and 5. If resistance is more than one megohm, go to next step. If resistance is less than one megohm, replace air bag main wiring harness and go to step  5.
  4. Measure resistance between test harness I2, connector 2I, terminal No. 2 and terminal No. 5. Measure resistance between ground and connector 2I terminal No. 2 and between ground and connector 2I terminal No. 5. If resistance is more than one megohm in any test, replace air bag control module and go to next step. See AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is one megohm or less, replace air bag main wiring harness and go to next step.
  5. Turn ignition off and disconnect negative battery terminal. Reconnect system components and activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Clear diagnostic codes. See CLEARING CODES  under DIAGNOSTICS. Check for normal air bag system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
Fig 1: Identifying Test Harness "K" Connectors
G99J24264Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.