AutoCodes – GMC – B0071 2018 GMC Sierra

B0071 2018 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 2018 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 346

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 2018 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 2018 GMC Sierra - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0071 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0071 2018 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071 2018 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 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does OBDII code B0071 for a 2018 GMC Sierra indicate?

- OBDII code B0071 in a 2018 GMC Sierra specifically relates to the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of a Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit issue (B0071) in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and potential issues with the passenger seat belt tension system.

3. What could cause the OBDII code B0071 to trigger in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- The code B0071 can be triggered by a faulty passenger seat belt tension sensor, damaged wiring in the circuit, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose a Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit problem (B0071) in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific code, inspecting the seat belt tension sensor and its wiring, and testing the airbag system's components.

5. Can I continue driving my 2018 GMC Sierra with the B0071 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the B0071 code active as it indicates a potential safety issue with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit.

6. What are the repair options for fixing the B0071 code in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Repairs may involve replacing the faulty seat belt tension sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or reprogramming the airbag control module to resolve the issue.

7. Is it possible to reset the B0071 code in a 2018 GMC Sierra without repairing the underlying issue?

- While clearing the code temporarily may be possible, it is crucial to address the root cause of the problem to ensure the safety systems function correctly.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair a B0071 code in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- The cost of repairs for a B0071 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve parts and labor expenses ranging from $200 to $500 or more.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the B0071 code in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Repairing the B0071 code may require specialized tools and knowledge of airbag systems, so it is generally recommended to have a professional technician address the issue.

10. How often does the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit issue (B0071) occur in 2018 GMC Sierra vehicles?

- While not extremely common, issues with the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit leading to the B0071 code can occur in some 2018 GMC Sierra models, especially with higher mileage or wear and tear.