AutoCodes – Generic – B0071:04

B0071:04 Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The seat belt tension sensor is a sensor mounted on the passenger seat belt retractor and provides input to the Passenger Presence Module. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Belt Retractor (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor), Passenger Seat Belt Retractor harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Belt Retractor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B0071:04 indicates Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Belt Retractor (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor), Passenger Seat Belt Retractor harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Belt Retractor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 548

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 17, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0071:04 Description

The seat belt tension sensor is a sensor mounted on the passenger seat belt retractor and provides input to the Passenger Presence Module. When an infant car seat is properly restrained on the front passenger seat, the seat belt is tightly secured through the car seat. The seat belt pulls on the tension sensor and changes the voltage signal to the Passenger Presence Module. The Passenger Presence Module monitors the belt tension sensor signal circuit and if a fault is detected, the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set. When the Passenger Presence Module detects this DTC, it will send out a serial data message, and the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will notify the customer of the enable/disable status by illuminating the OFF indicator on the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will then suppress the deployment of the passenger instrument panel air bag and illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.

OBDII Code B0071:04 - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com — B0071:04 Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071:04?

Faulty Passenger Seat Belt Retractor (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor)
Passenger Seat Belt Retractor harness is open or shorted
Passenger Seat Belt Retractor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Passenger Presence Module

How to Fix the DTC B0071:04?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B0071:03 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Below Threshold
B0071:04 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open
B0071:07 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Above Threshold
B0071:08 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Performance Signal Invalid

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0071:04 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B0071:04 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0071:04 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071:04 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B0071:04 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0071:04 (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, the passenger airbag being disabled, and possible chimes or messages indicating a seat belt issue.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0071:04?

- The code may be triggered by a faulty passenger seat belt tension sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How serious is OBDII code B0071:04?

- This code indicates a problem with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit, which can affect the proper functioning of the passenger airbag system. It is important to address this issue promptly for safety reasons.

4. Can I continue driving with OBDII code B0071:04 present?

- While the vehicle may still be operational, it is not recommended to continue driving with this code active, as it may compromise the effectiveness of the passenger airbag system in the event of a collision.

5. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code B0071:04?

- Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the seat belt tension sensor, checking wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the airbag control module. Repair may involve replacing the sensor, repairing wiring, or resetting the system.

6. Can I reset OBDII code B0071:04 myself?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the fault. It is recommended to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure proper functioning of the airbag system.

7. Will OBDII code B0071:04 cause the airbags not to deploy in a crash?

- If left unresolved, this code may affect the passenger airbag system's ability to deploy in a crash, as it is related to the seat belt tension sensor circuit responsible for determining airbag deployment.

8. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code B0071:04?

- The cost of repairs for this code can vary depending on the specific issue causing the fault. It is advisable to consult a professional technician for an accurate diagnosis and cost estimate.

9. Is OBDII code B0071:04 a common issue in certain vehicle makes or models?

- This code can occur in various vehicle makes and models equipped with passenger seat belt tension sensors and airbag systems. It is recommended to address the issue promptly regardless of the vehicle type.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code B0071:04 at home?

- While some basic troubleshooting steps can be done at home, diagnosing and repairing OBDII code B0071:04 may require specialized tools and expertise. It is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.