AutoCodes – Generic – B0087

B0087 Code - Left Rear 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 Left Rear Side Impact Sensor, Left Rear Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Rear 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: B0087 indicates Left Rear Side Impact Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Rear Side Impact Sensor, Left Rear Side Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Rear 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 8,100

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 B0087 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 B0087 - Left Rear Side Impact Sensor - AutoCodes.com — B0087 Code - Left Rear Side Impact Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0087?

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

How to Fix the DTC B0087?

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

B0087:02 Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Short to Ground
B0087:05 Left Rear Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open
B0087:39 Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Internal Malfunction
B0087:3A Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed
B0087:71 Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Invalid Data

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0087 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 B0087 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0087 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0087 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B0087 Buick — Left Rear Side Impact Sensor
B0087 Cadillac — Left Rear Side Impact Sensor
B0087 Chevrolet — Left Rear Side Impact Sensor
B0087 GMC — Left Rear Side Impact Sensor

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 B0087 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B0087 mean?

B0087 indicates a fault in the left rear side impact sensor, which is part of the vehicleâ€™s airbag system.

2. What are the symptoms of a B0087 code?

Common symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light, potential deactivation of the airbag system, and no noticeable driving performance issues.

3. What causes the B0087 code to appear?

The code can be caused by a faulty left rear side impact sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, water intrusion, or a failure in the airbag control module.

4. Is it safe to drive with a B0087 code?

While the vehicle may still operate normally, driving with this code can compromise the airbag systemâ€™s performance in the event of a collision.

5. How do you diagnose a B0087 code?

A technician will use a scan tool to read the code, inspect the left rear side impact sensor and its wiring, and test the sensorâ€™s electrical signals.

6. Can a B0087 code be triggered by a minor collision?

Yes, minor collisions or impacts near the left rear side of the vehicle can damage the sensor and trigger this code.

7. How do you fix a B0087 code?

Repairs may include replacing the left rear side impact sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or addressing issues with the airbag control module.

8. How much does it cost to fix a B0087 code?

The cost can vary, but replacing the sensor typically ranges from $150 to $400, depending on labor and parts.

9. Can I clear the B0087 code without repairing the issue?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily turn off the warning light, but the issue will likely return and compromise airbag functionality.

10. What tools are needed to fix a B0087 code?

Common tools include an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for electrical testing, and basic hand tools for sensor replacement or wiring repairs.