AutoCodes – Generic – B0079:04

B0079:04 Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Open

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: B0079:04 indicates Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Open.
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 951

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 B0079:04 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 open for 2 s.

OBDII Code B0079:04 - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com — B0079:04 Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079:04?

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 B0079:04?

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 B0079:04 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 B0079:04 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0079:04 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079:04 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 B0079:04 Code

1. What are common symptoms of an OBDII code B0079:04 related to the driver seat position sensor circuit open?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the airbag system.

2. What can cause the driver seat position sensor circuit to be open and trigger code B0079:04?

Potential causes include damaged wiring, loose connections, a faulty seat position sensor, or issues with the airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the driver seat position sensor circuit open issue associated with OBDII code B0079:04?

Diagnosis typically involves checking the wiring and connections related to the seat position sensor, testing the sensor itself, and inspecting the airbag control module for faults.

4. Is it safe to drive with an OBDII code B0079:04 due to a driver seat position sensor circuit open?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this issue, as it may affect the proper functioning of the airbag system in case of an accident.

5. Can I reset the OBDII code B0079:04 related to the driver seat position sensor circuit open?

Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will reappear if the underlying issue causing the circuit open is not addressed.

6. How can I repair the driver seat position sensor circuit open problem indicated by OBDII code B0079:04?

Repair options include fixing any damaged wiring, securing loose connections, replacing a faulty seat position sensor, or addressing issues with the airbag control module.

7. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code B0079:04 linked to the driver seat position sensor circuit open?

DIY tips may include visually inspecting wiring and connectors, checking for loose connections, and consulting the vehicle's service manual for specific troubleshooting steps.

8. What is the typical cost to repair an OBDII code B0079:04 caused by a driver seat position sensor circuit open?

The repair cost can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts replacement and labor.

9. Can a mechanic help with diagnosing and fixing the OBDII code B0079:04 related to a driver seat position sensor circuit open?

Yes, a qualified mechanic or technician can assist in diagnosing the problem, repairing the circuit open issue, and ensuring the proper functioning of the airbag system.

10. How important is it to address OBDII code B0079:04 indicating a driver seat position sensor circuit open?

It is crucial to address this issue promptly to ensure the airbag system functions correctly in case of an accident and to maintain the safety of the vehicle occupants.