AutoCodes – Generic – B0091:05

B0091:05 Code - Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery or Open

Quick Answer

The impact sensors are equipped on vehicles to supplement the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system performance. Common causes include Faulty Center Front Impact Sensor, Center Front Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Center Front 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: B0091:05 indicates Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery or Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Center Front Impact Sensor, Center Front Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Center Front 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 2,168

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 Nov 06, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code B0091:05 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, instead, they 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 the 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 determine a deployment is warranted, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will cause current to flow through the deployment loops deploying the appropriate air bags. The center front impact sensor and side impact sensors utilize a bidirectional 2-wire circuit. The sensors modulate current on the interface to send identification, state of health, and deployment commands to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module serve as a power source and a ground for the sensors. When the ignition is turned ON and input power from the inflatable restraint sensing and the diagnostic module is first detected, the sensors respond by performing internal diagnostics and sending identification to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module consider the identification to be valid if the response time is less than 5 s. The sensors continually communicate status messages to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module, which determines if a fault is present in the sensor circuit. When a fault is detected, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module may reset the sensors up to 2 times by removing and reapplying power to it. If the fault is still present, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The DTC will be set when the center front impact sensor has been shorted to voltage.

OBDII Code B0091:05 - Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery or Open - AutoCodes.com — B0091:05 Code - Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery or Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0091:05?

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

How to Fix the DTC B0091:05?

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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B0091:01 Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery
B0091:02 Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Ground
B0091:05 Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery or Open
B0091:0F Center Front Impact Sensor Erratic
B0091:39 Center Front Impact Sensor Internal Electronic Failure
B0091:3A Center Front Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed
B0091:71 Center Front Impact Sensor Invalid Serial Data Received

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0091:05 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 B0091:05 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0091:05 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0091:05 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.