AutoCodesGMC – B0079 2015 GMC Sierra

B0079 2015 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

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 2015 GMC Sierra indicates Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit.
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 297
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 17, 2022
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Code B0079 2015 GMC Sierra 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.
OBDII Code B0079 2015 GMC Sierra - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B0079 2015 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079 2015 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 2015 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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0079 2015 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 B0079 2015 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0079 2015 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079 2015 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 B0079 2015 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra related to the Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, an error message indicating an issue with the driver seat position sensor, and potential loss of functionality of certain safety features.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

The code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra usually indicates a fault in the driver seat position sensor circuit. Common causes include a faulty seat position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a malfunction in the airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing OBDII code B0079 involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific codes, inspecting the wiring and connectors related to the driver seat position sensor, and testing the sensor itself for proper functionality.

4. Can I continue driving my 2015 GMC Sierra with the OBDII code B0079 present?

It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with the B0079 code present, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver seat position sensor circuit, which could affect the proper deployment of the airbags in case of an accident.

5. How can I repair the OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra related to the Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit?

Repairing the B0079 code may involve replacing the faulty driver seat position sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or resetting the airbag control module after addressing the underlying issue.

6. Are there any safety concerns associated with the OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Yes, there are safety concerns associated with the B0079 code, as it may impact the functionality of the airbag system, compromising the vehicle's occupant protection in the event of a collision.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra at a dealership or repair shop?

The cost of repairing the B0079 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $200 to $500 at a dealership or repair shop, including parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra by disconnecting the battery?

While disconnecting the battery may temporarily clear the code, it is not a recommended method for resolving the underlying issue causing the B0079 code. It's best to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure the safety systems function correctly.

9. Is the OBDII code B0079 specific to the 2015 GMC Sierra, or can it occur in other vehicle models?

The OBDII code B0079 related to the Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit is specific to certain GMC Sierra models, but similar issues with seat position sensors can occur in other vehicles as well.

10. How long does it take to repair the OBDII code B0079 in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

The repair time for the B0079 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of parts. In general, it may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and repair the problem.

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