AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit.
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 432

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The common symptoms of OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the passenger seat belt system.

2. What does OBDII code B0071 indicate in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates a problem with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Possible causes of OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado include a faulty passenger seat belt tension sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code B0071 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing the issue causing OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado typically involves checking the passenger seat belt tension sensor, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and using a diagnostic scanner to read and clear the fault code.

5. Can I continue driving my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0071?

It is not recommended to continue driving your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0071, as the issue may affect the proper functioning of the passenger seat belt system and airbag deployment in case of an accident.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0071 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairing OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado may involve replacing the faulty passenger seat belt tension sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or resetting the airbag control module after fixing the issue.

7. Is it safe to reset OBDII code B0071 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado without addressing the underlying problem?

It is not safe to simply reset OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado without addressing the underlying problem, as the issue could potentially compromise the safety features of the passenger seat belt system and airbags.

8. Will OBDII code B0071 cause my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado to fail a vehicle inspection?

OBDII code B0071 may cause your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado to fail a vehicle inspection, as it indicates a problem with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit, which is essential for the proper operation of the safety systems.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost to repair OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts and labor, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

10. Can I fix OBDII code B0071 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado myself, or do I need a professional mechanic?

While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address simpler causes of OBDII code B0071, such as checking and reconnecting loose wiring, it is generally recommended to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair this issue due to the importance of proper seat belt and airbag function for safety.