AutoCodes – GMC – B0071 2016 GMC Sierra

B0071 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 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 426

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 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0071 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071 2016 GMC Sierra?

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 GMC Sierra?

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 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does OBDII code B0071 mean for a 2016 GMC Sierra?

The B0071 code indicates a problem with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit in the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the passenger seat belt system.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Potential causes of the B0071 code include a faulty seat belt tension sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a problem with the airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0071 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing the B0071 code typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault codes, inspecting the seat belt tension sensor and its wiring for any visible damage, and testing the sensor's functionality.

5. Can I still drive my 2016 GMC Sierra with the OBDII code B0071 present?

It is generally not recommended to drive the vehicle with the B0071 code active, as it indicates a potential safety issue with the passenger seat belt system or airbag deployment.

6. How can I repair the OBDII code B0071 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

Repairing the B0071 code may involve replacing the passenger seat belt tension sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or resetting the airbag control module after addressing the underlying issue.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0071 without fixing the underlying problem?

Resetting the B0071 code without addressing the root cause can lead to the issue recurring and potentially compromising the safety systems in the vehicle.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

While some basic troubleshooting steps can be taken by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing the B0071 code may require specialized tools and expertise best handled by a professional mechanic.

9. How much does it cost to repair the OBDII code B0071 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

The cost of repairing the B0071 code can vary depending on the specific issue causing the fault, the labor rates of the repair shop, and the cost of any replacement parts needed.

10. How can I prevent the OBDII code B0071 from reoccurring in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

Regularly inspecting and maintaining the seat belt tension sensor, avoiding physical damage to the sensor and its wiring, and addressing any airbag system issues promptly can help prevent the B0071 code from reoccurring.