AutoCodes – Generic – B0079:01

B0079:01 Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery

Quick Answer

The seat position sensor is used to determine the proximity of the front driver or passenger seat position with respect to the front air bag. Common causes include Faulty Driver Seat Position Sensor, Driver Seat Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Driver Seat Position Sensor 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: B0079:01 indicates Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Seat Position Sensor, Driver Seat Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Driver Seat Position Sensor 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 460

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 B0079:01 Description

The seat position sensor is used to determine the proximity of the front driver or passenger seat position with respect to the front air bag. There are two states of seat position, forward and rearward. The seat position sensor interfaces with the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) and allows the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module to disable stage 2 of the air bag for a front seat that is forward of the forward/rearward point in seat track. The seat position sensor provides two current ranges, one range for the forward seat position and one for the rearward seat position. When the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module receives input from a seat position sensor that the seat is rearward, and the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will not disable stage 2 deployment. When the seat is forward, the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will disable stage 2 deployment. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module monitors the seat position sensor circuit and if a fault is detected, the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will set Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B0079 and disable stage 2 frontal deployment. The DTC will be set when the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module detects the seat position sensor signal circuit is shorted to voltage for 2 s.

OBDII Code B0079:01 - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery - AutoCodes.com — B0079:01 Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079:01?

Faulty Driver Seat Position Sensor
Driver Seat Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Driver Seat Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0079:01?

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

B0079:01 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery
B0079:02 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
B0079:04 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Open
B0079:05 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage or Open
B0079:06 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Low Voltage or Open
B0079:08 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Performance-Signal Invalid
B0079:0C Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Low Current

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0079:01 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 B0079:01 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0079:01 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079:01 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 B0079:01 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0079:01 (Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the driver's seat position adjustment.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B0079:01 to trigger?

- This code is typically triggered by a short circuit in the driver seat position sensor circuit that causes it to be shorted to the vehicle's battery.

3. How serious is the OBDII code B0079:01?

- The B0079:01 code is a serious issue as it can affect the proper functioning of the driver seat position sensor, which is crucial for airbag deployment during a collision.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of the OBDII code B0079:01?

- Diagnosing the cause of this code usually involves inspecting the driver seat position sensor circuit for any visible damage, checking connections, and using a multimeter to test for continuity and shorts.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with the OBDII code B0079:01 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it may affect the proper functioning of the airbag system in the event of a collision.

6. How can I repair the OBDII code B0079:01?

- Repairing this code typically involves repairing or replacing the damaged driver seat position sensor circuit, fixing any shorts to the battery, and clearing the code with a diagnostic tool.

7. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code B0079:01 without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code with a diagnostic tool, it is important to address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring and ensure the safety of the airbag system.

8. How much does it cost to repair the OBDII code B0079:01 at a mechanic?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the labor rates of the mechanic, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300.

9. Can I fix the OBDII code B0079:01 myself?

- If you have experience with automotive electrical systems and the necessary tools, you may be able to diagnose and repair this code yourself. However, if you are unsure, it is best to seek professional help.

10. Are there any preventative measures to avoid the OBDII code B0079:01 in the future?

- Regularly inspecting the driver seat position sensor circuit for any signs of wear or damage, avoiding any modifications that could affect the circuit, and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent this code from occurring.