AutoCodes – Saturn – B0079 Saturn

B0079 Saturn 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 Saturn 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 1,136

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079 Saturn?

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 Saturn?

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 Saturn 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 Saturn code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079 Saturn 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 Saturn Code

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

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

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

Potential causes of this code may include a faulty driver seat position sensor, damaged wiring harness, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

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

Diagnosing the issue involves using a professional OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific error code, inspecting the driver seat position sensor and related wiring, and testing the airbag system for proper functionality.

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

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code active, as it indicates potential issues with the airbag system, which is a critical safety component.

5. How can I reset the OBDII code B0079 in my Saturn?

Resetting the code typically involves using an OBDII scanner to clear the error code once the underlying issue has been diagnosed and repaired.

6. Is it safe to repair the OBDII code B0079 in my Saturn myself?

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to diagnose and repair this issue, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or dealership due to the critical nature of the airbag system.

7. How much does it cost to repair the OBDII code B0079 in a Saturn?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the driver seat position sensor, repairing wiring harnesses, or addressing other related components.

8. Can a faulty driver seat position sensor affect other systems in my Saturn?

Yes, a malfunctioning driver seat position sensor can impact the proper operation of the airbag system, potentially affecting the overall safety of the vehicle.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid the OBDII code B0079 in a Saturn?

Regular maintenance and inspections of the airbag system, including the driver seat position sensor, can help prevent issues that may trigger this error code.

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

The repair time can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the availability of parts, but it may take a few hours to a day to diagnose and address the problem effectively.