AutoCodes – Generic – B0078

B0078 Code - Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance

Quick Answer

The Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS) utilizes a unidirectional 2-wire circuit. Common causes include Faulty Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS), Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS) harness is open or shorted, Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS) 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: B0078 indicates Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS), Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS) harness is open or shorted, Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS) 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 4,349

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0078 Description

The Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS) utilizes a unidirectional 2-wire circuit. The SIS modulates current on the interface to send ID, State of Health, and deployment commands to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The SDM serves as a power source and a ground for the SIS. When the ignition is turned on and input power from the SDM is first detected, the SIS responds by performing internal diagnostics and sending an ID to the SDM. The SDM considers the ID to be valid if the response time is less than 5 seconds. The SIS continually communicates status messages to the SDM, which determines if a fault is present in the SIS circuit. When a fault is detected, the SDM resets the SIS twice by removing and reapplying power. If the fault is still present, the SDM will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

OBDII Code B0078 - Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance - AutoCodes.com — B0078 Code - Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0078?

Faulty Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS)
Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS) harness is open or shorted
Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor (SIS) circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0078?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0078 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 B0078 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0078 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0078 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B0078 Buick — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance
B0078 Cadillac — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance
B0078 Chevrolet — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance
B0078 GMC — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance
B0078 Hummer — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance
B0078 Pontiac — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance
B0078 Saturn — Right Front/Passenger Side Impact Sensor Performance

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 B0078 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B0078 indicate?

- Code B0078 indicates a fault in the performance of the right front/passenger side impact sensor, suggesting that the sensor is not functioning correctly or is providing inaccurate data.

2. What are common symptoms of code B0078?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, possible non-deployment of the passenger side airbag in an accident, and in some cases, other related warning lights may also be activated.

3. What causes the OBDII code B0078 to be triggered?

- Causes can include damaged wiring to the sensor, a faulty impact sensor, corrosion at the sensor connector, or a malfunction in the airbag control module.

4. How is the code B0078 diagnosed?

- Diagnosis involves using a scanner to read the fault code and inspecting the right front/passenger side impact sensor and its connections for damage or corrosion. The sensor's alignment and installation should also be checked to ensure it is correctly mounted.

5. Can I drive my vehicle if code B0078 is triggered?

- While you can technically still drive your vehicle, it is not advised to do so until the issue is resolved, as the passenger side airbag may not deploy correctly in the event of an accident, posing a significant safety risk.

6. What steps are involved in repairing an issue related to code B0078?

- Repair steps typically include inspecting and cleaning the sensorâ€™s connector, repairing or replacing any damaged wiring, and if necessary, replacing the faulty impact sensor itself.

7. How much does it typically cost to fix the B0078 code?

- The cost can vary widely depending on the specific repair needed. Replacing a faulty sensor can range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor, while more extensive wiring repairs or replacing the airbag control module can significantly increase the cost.

8. Are there any DIY steps I can take to fix code B0078?

- For a DIY fix, you can check the sensorâ€™s wiring and connectors for any visible signs of damage or corrosion and clean the connectors with electrical contact cleaner. However, if the sensor itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced by a professional.

9. What tools are needed to diagnose and repair a B0078 code?

- Tools needed might include a diagnostic scanner that can read airbag system codes, a multimeter for testing wiring continuity, and basic hand tools for accessing and replacing the sensor.

10. How can I prevent future issues with the right front/passenger side impact sensor?

- Regular maintenance and inspections of the airbag system, ensuring that all connections are clean and secure, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to moisture and dirt can help prevent future issues with the impact sensors.