AutoCodesGeneric – B0085:05

B0085:05 Code - Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open

Quick Answer

The impact sensors are equipped on vehicles to supplement the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system performance. Common causes include Faulty Left Front Side Impact Sensor, Left Front Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Front Side Impact 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
B0085:05 indicates Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Left Front Side Impact Sensor, Left Front Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Front Side Impact 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 1,472
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 24, 2022
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Code B0085:05 Description

The impact sensors are equipped on vehicles to supplement the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system performance. The impact sensors are electronic and are not part of the deployment loops, but instead provide inputs to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The impact sensors can assist in determining the severity of some frontal and side collisions. The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module use the input from the impact sensors to assist in determining the severity of a collision, further supporting air bag deployment. If the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module determines a deployment is warranted, the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will cause current to flow through the deployment loops deploying the air bags. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the sensor circuit is open.
OBDII Code B0085:05 - Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open - AutoCodes.com
B0085:05 Code - Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0085:05?

  • Faulty Left Front Side Impact Sensor
  • Left Front Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Left Front Side Impact Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0085:05?

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 B0085:05 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 B0085:05 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0085:05 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 B0085:05 Code

No Frequently Asked Questions about B0085:05 Code found.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B0085:05 OBDII Code

  • 2015 Chevy 2500 HD B0085-05 Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open. I have this code and im not sure where to start the truck will not read nything then the iccm fuse keeps popping then after some time the truck will start if i unplug the left front side impact sensor and everything in the door. iccm fuse still pops. checked the pigtail for the air bag sensor and no voltage need help please.

    • At this point, I would stop focusing only on the side impact sensor itself and start looking for a shorted wiring harness or module issue, because a fuse repeatedly popping means something is pulling too much current on that circuit.

      The important clue is this:
      • The truck will sometimes start after unplugging the left side impact sensor and door components
      • But the ICCM fuse still pops eventually

      That tells me the problem may not actually be the sensor — it may be wiring damage somewhere in that circuit.

      On these HD trucks, the first places I would inspect are:

      Driver door harness in the rubber boot between the door and body
      Very common spot for wires to break, rub through, or short together from years of opening/closing the door.

      Harness under the driver-side kick panel / sill plate
      Water intrusion and rubbed wires happen there.

      Side impact sensor connector and wiring
      Look for corrosion, green terminals, or wires rubbed against metal.

      Trailer brake controller / aftermarket accessories
      Since the ICCM fuse is involved, sometimes aftermarket wiring tied into ignition or CAN circuits causes weird airbag/network problems.

      One very important thing:
      Do NOT apply voltage directly to airbag sensor circuits. The SRS system is sensitive and should be tested carefully with proper procedures.

      The fact that you’re not seeing voltage at the sensor connector is not necessarily abnormal — many airbag circuits use low-current reference signals and are monitored differently than standard power circuits.

      The best next step is:
      • Disconnect the battery
      • Remove the ICCM fuse
      • Inspect the driver door/body harness inch by inch for rubbed or pinched wires
      • Look especially for any wire touching metal or melted together

      Honestly, based on your symptoms, I would bet on a harness short rather than a failed side impact sensor itself.

      The popping fuse is your biggest clue — sensors usually set codes, but they normally do not blow fuses repeatedly unless the wiring is damaged.

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