AutoCodes – Buick – B0071 Buick

B0071 Buick 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 Buick 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 1,551

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
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B0071 Buick 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 Buick - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0071 Buick Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071 Buick?

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 Buick?

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 Buick 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 Buick code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071 Buick 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 Buick Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0071 in a Buick related to the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and potential issues with the passenger seat belt pretensioner system.

2. What causes the OBDII code B0071 in a Buick?

This code is typically triggered by a fault in the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit, which could be due to damaged wiring, a faulty sensor, or a poor connection.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0071 in my Buick?

Diagnosing this code usually involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault codes, followed by inspecting the wiring, connectors, and sensor related to the passenger seat belt tension system.

4. Can I still drive my Buick with the OBDII code B0071 present?

While the vehicle may still be operational, it is not recommended to drive with this code present as it may indicate a potential safety issue with the passenger seat belt pretensioner system.

5. Is it safe to repair the OBDII code B0071 in my Buick myself?

Repairing this code may involve working with the vehicle's safety systems, so it is recommended to have a professional mechanic or technician with experience in airbag systems diagnose and repair the issue.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code B0071 in a Buick?

The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the seat belt tension sensor, repairing wiring, or addressing other related components.

7. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting the OBDII code B0071 in a Buick?

While it is not recommended to attempt DIY repairs on safety systems like this, you can visually inspect the wiring and connectors for any obvious signs of damage before seeking professional help.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code B0071 in my Buick make it go away permanently?

Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but if the underlying issue with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. Can the OBDII code B0071 in a Buick affect the overall safety of the vehicle?

Yes, this code is related to the passenger seat belt pretensioner system, which is an important safety feature designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the OBDII code B0071 in a Buick?

The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of parts, but it may take a few hours to a day for a professional technician to diagnose and repair the problem.