AutoCodes – Buick – B0091 Buick

B0091 Buick Code - Center Front Impact Sensor

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 Buick indicates Center Front Impact Sensor.
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 1,285

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
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0091 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, 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).

OBDII Code B0091 Buick - Center Front Impact Sensor - AutoCodes.com — B0091 Buick Code - Center Front Impact Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0091 Buick?

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 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

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 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 B0091 Buick code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0091 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 B0091 Buick Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0091 in a Buick related to the center front impact sensor?

The common symptoms of OBDII code B0091 in a Buick include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and a potential message indicating an issue with the airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0091 in a Buick involving the center front impact sensor?

Possible causes of OBDII code B0091 in a Buick include a malfunction or failure of the center front impact sensor, wiring issues, or a problem with the airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code B0091 in my Buick related to the center front impact sensor?

To diagnose OBDII code B0091 in a Buick, a professional diagnostic scan tool is needed to retrieve the specific error code, followed by inspecting the center front impact sensor, related wiring, and connections for any visible damage or issues.

4. Can I reset OBDII code B0091 in my Buick without fixing the underlying issue with the center front impact sensor?

Resetting OBDII code B0091 without addressing the underlying issue with the center front impact sensor is not recommended, as it may lead to safety risks and the airbag system not functioning properly in the event of an accident.

5. Is it safe to drive my Buick with OBDII code B0091 related to the center front impact sensor?

It is not recommended to drive your Buick with OBDII code B0091 related to the center front impact sensor, as it indicates a potential problem with the airbag system that may compromise its functionality in a collision.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0091 in a Buick involving the center front impact sensor?

The cost to repair OBDII code B0091 in a Buick can vary depending on the exact issue, but it may involve replacing the center front impact sensor, repairing wiring, or addressing other related components. Costs can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

7. Can I fix OBDII code B0091 in my Buick related to the center front impact sensor myself?

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to fix OBDII code B0091 in a Buick, it is recommended to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic or technician with experience in airbag systems to ensure proper and safe repairs.

8. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B0091 in a Buick associated with the center front impact sensor?

The time to repair OBDII code B0091 in a Buick can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the availability of parts. In general, it may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and repair the problem.

9. What precautions should I take if OBDII code B0091 in my Buick related to the center front impact sensor is not fixed immediately?

If OBDII code B0091 related to the center front impact sensor is not fixed promptly, it is crucial to avoid driving the vehicle to prevent any potential risks associated with the airbag system not functioning correctly in the event of a collision.

10. Can OBDII code B0091 in a Buick related to the center front impact sensor affect the vehicle's overall safety?

Yes, OBDII code B0091 related to the center front impact sensor can impact the vehicle's overall safety, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system, which is a critical safety component in case of an accident.