AutoCodes – Cadillac – B0079 Cadillac

B0079 Cadillac 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 Cadillac 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

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

Code Popularity 2,037

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 B0079 Cadillac 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 Cadillac - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0079 Cadillac Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079 Cadillac?

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 Cadillac?

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 Cadillac 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 Cadillac code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079 Cadillac 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 Cadillac Code

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

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard, failure of the airbag system, and potential issues with the driver's seat position adjustment.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0079 in a Cadillac?

- The code B0079 in a Cadillac is commonly caused by a malfunction in the driver seat position sensor circuit, damaged wiring, or a faulty seat position sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0079 in my Cadillac?

- Diagnosing code B0079 involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault codes, checking the driver seat position sensor wiring for any damage, and testing the sensor's functionality.

4. Can I drive my Cadillac with the OBDII code B0079 present?

- It is not recommended to drive your Cadillac with the OBDII code B0079 present, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system, which is a crucial safety component.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B0079 in my Cadillac related to the Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit?

- Repairing code B0079 involves fixing any damaged wiring, replacing the driver seat position sensor if necessary, and clearing the fault codes with a diagnostic scanner.

6. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code B0079 in a Cadillac?

- DIY troubleshooting tips include checking the seat position sensor wiring for loose connections, ensuring the sensor is securely in place, and inspecting for any visible damage.

7. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B0079 in a Cadillac at a dealership or repair shop?

- The cost of repairing code B0079 in a Cadillac at a dealership or repair shop can vary depending on the extent of the issue, but it typically ranges from $200 to $500.

8. Will resetting the OBDII system clear the B0079 code in my Cadillac?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the B0079 code, but if the underlying issue with the driver seat position sensor circuit is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. Is it safe to attempt to repair OBDII code B0079 in my Cadillac without professional help?

- While some DIY troubleshooting is possible, it is recommended to seek professional help for repairing OBDII code B0079, especially when dealing with airbag system components.

10. Can OBDII code B0079 in a Cadillac cause the airbags to not deploy in the event of an accident?

- Yes, OBDII code B0079 in a Cadillac related to the driver seat position sensor circuit can potentially prevent the airbags from deploying properly in the event of a collision, compromising safety.