AutoCodesGeneric – B0071:08

B0071:08 Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Performance Signal Invalid

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
B0071:08 indicates Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Performance Signal Invalid.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 440
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 17, 2022
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Code B0071:08 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 B0071:08 - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Performance Signal Invalid - AutoCodes.com
B0071:08 Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Performance Signal Invalid

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071:08?

  • 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 B0071:08?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0071:08 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 B0071:08 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0071:08 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071:08 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 B0071:08 Code

What does the OBDII code B0071:08 mean?

Code B0071:08 indicates an issue with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit, specifically that the voltage performance signal is invalid or outside the expected range.

What are the symptoms of code B0071:08?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light being illuminated, potential deactivation of the passenger airbag, or a seat belt warning chime that doesn’t turn off.

What causes the B0071:08 code to appear?

Causes can include a faulty seat belt tension sensor, damaged or corroded wiring, a loose or disconnected connector, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

Can I drive my car with the B0071:08 code active?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, it’s not recommended because the airbag system may not function correctly in an accident, posing a safety risk.

How is the B0071:08 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to verify the code, inspect the seat belt tension sensor and wiring for damage, and test the circuit voltage to identify abnormalities.

How do you fix the B0071:08 code?

Repairs may involve replacing the seat belt tension sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the airbag control module if necessary.

Can a dead battery trigger the B0071:08 code?

Yes, a weak or dead battery can cause voltage irregularities, potentially triggering this code.

Does the B0071:08 code affect the airbag system?

Yes, this code may disable the passenger airbag or cause it to function improperly, which is why addressing it promptly is crucial for safety.

Is the B0071:08 code covered under warranty?

This depends on the vehicle’s warranty terms, but if the issue is related to a factory defect, it may be covered under a warranty for safety systems.

Can I reset the B0071:08 code without repairs?

Clearing the code with a scan tool might temporarily turn off the warning light, but without fixing the underlying issue, the code is likely to return.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B0071:08 OBDII Code

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