AutoCodes – Buick – B0086 Buick

B0086 Buick Code - Right Front Side Impact Sensor

Quick Answer

The impact sensors are equipped on vehicles to supplement the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system performance. Common causes include Faulty Right Front Side Impact Sensor, Right Front Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Right 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: B0086 Buick indicates Right Front Side Impact Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Right Front Side Impact Sensor, Right Front Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Right 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 2,268

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 24, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0086 Buick 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.

OBDII Code B0086 Buick - Right Front Side Impact Sensor - AutoCodes.com — B0086 Buick Code - Right Front Side Impact Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0086 Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC B0086 Buick?

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

B0086:02 Right Front Side Impact Sensor Short to Ground
B0086:05 Right Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open
B0086:0F Right Front Side Impact Sensor Signal Erratic
B0086:39 Right Front Side Impact Sensor Internal Malfunction
B0086:3A Right Front Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed
B0086:71 Right Front Side Impact Sensor Invalid Data

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0086 Buick 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 B0086 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0086 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0086 Buick 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 B0086 Buick Code

What does the OBDII code B0086 Buick indicate?

The code B0086 Buick indicates a malfunction with the Right Front Side Impact Sensor in the vehicle's airbag system, suggesting that the sensor is not functioning correctly or the circuit has issues.

What are common symptoms of the B0086 Buick code?

Symptoms may include the airbag warning light staying illuminated, airbags not deploying correctly in case of an accident, or in some cases, no noticeable symptoms other than the error code itself.

What can cause the B0086 Buick code to appear?

Possible causes for the B0086 code include damaged wiring or connectors to the right front side impact sensor, a faulty right front side impact sensor, or issues with the airbag control module.

How can I diagnose the B0086 Buick code?

Diagnosing this code involves using a scan tool to read the fault code and freeze frame data, visually inspecting the sensor and wiring for damage, and checking the electrical connections for corrosion or loose connections. Further diagnostics might require simulation of signals to verify sensor operation.

What steps should be taken to repair the B0086 Buick code?

Repair steps may include replacing the right front side impact sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and possibly resetting or replacing the airbag control module if it's determined to be faulty.

Is it safe to drive with the B0086 Buick code?

Driving with this code is not recommended as it affects the airbag system. The right front side airbag may not deploy in the event of a side impact, which can increase the risk of injury during an accident.

Can a faulty right front side impact sensor affect other systems in the vehicle?

While the primary impact is on the airbag system, the overall safety and functionality of the vehicle could be compromised in an accident. However, the sensor does not typically affect the operation of other systems like the engine or transmission.

How urgent is it to address the B0086 Buick code?

It is quite urgent to address this code due to its relation to the vehicle's safety systems. Prompt repair is crucial to ensure proper function of the airbag system, which is vital in protecting passengers during crashes.

What tools are needed to fix the B0086 Buick code?

Tools needed might include a diagnostic scanner, a multimeter for electrical testing, and basic hand tools to access and replace the sensor or wiring.

Could the B0086 Buick code be triggered by an accident?

Yes, an impact to the front right side of the vehicle could damage the sensor or its connections, triggering the B0086 code. It's important to inspect and possibly replace the sensor after any significant impact.