AutoCodes – Generic – B0087:3A

B0087:3A Code - Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed

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: B0087:3A indicates Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed.
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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

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

Code Popularity 517

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
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B0087:3A 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 Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module has received identification message from the sensor, which does not match the identification stored in the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module memory.

OBDII Code B0087:3A - Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed - AutoCodes.com — B0087:3A Code - Left Rear Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0087:3A?

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 B0087:3A?

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 B0087:3A 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 B0087:3A code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0087:3A code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0087:3A 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 B0087:3A Code

1. What does OBDII code B0087:3A mean?

Code B0087:3A indicates that the left rear side impact sensor in the vehicle has an incorrect component installed, which may affect the airbag system functionality.

2. What are common symptoms of code B0087:3A?

Symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light, potential disablement of the airbag system, and possible diagnostic trouble codes related to side impact sensors.

3. What causes code B0087:3A to appear?

The code is typically triggered by the installation of an incorrect or incompatible left rear side impact sensor, or improper wiring connections to the sensor.

4. How is code B0087:3A diagnosed?

A mechanic will inspect the left rear side impact sensor to verify its part number, check for compatibility with the vehicle, and review the wiring harness for any installation errors.

5. Can code B0087:3A affect airbag deployment?

Yes, if the system detects an incorrect sensor, the airbag system may be disabled to prevent malfunction during a crash.

6. How do you fix code B0087:3A?

Replace the incorrect left rear side impact sensor with the correct OEM-compatible part, ensuring proper installation and wiring connections.

7. Can I drive with code B0087:3A active?

Driving is possible, but it is not recommended since the airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident.

8. How much does it cost to fix code B0087:3A?

Repair costs vary but typically include the price of the correct sensor, labor for installation, and diagnostic fees, which can range from $150 to $400.

9. Can the code B0087:3A reset on its own?

No, the code will persist until the incorrect sensor is replaced and the system is properly recalibrated.

10. Is code B0087:3A specific to certain vehicle brands?

No, the code can appear in any vehicle equipped with OBDII diagnostics and side impact sensors, though it is more common in models with advanced airbag systems.