AutoCodes – GMC – B0091 GMC

B0091 GMC 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 GMC 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 16,225

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 GMC 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 GMC - Center Front Impact Sensor - AutoCodes.com — B0091 GMC Code - Center Front Impact Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0091 GMC?

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 GMC?

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 GMC 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 GMC code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0091 GMC code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific GMC Models

B0091 2014 GMC Sierra — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2015 GMC Sierra — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2016 GMC Sierra — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2017 GMC Sierra — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2018 GMC Sierra — Center Front 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 B0091 GMC Code

1. What is OBDII code B0091 for a GMC vehicle?

The OBDII code B0091 for a GMC vehicle refers to an issue with the Center Front Impact Sensor.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0091 in a GMC?

Common symptoms of OBDII code B0091 in a GMC may include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the airbag system.

3. What can cause OBDII code B0091 to trigger in a GMC?

OBDII code B0091 in a GMC is typically triggered by a malfunction in the Center Front Impact Sensor, which may be due to wiring issues, sensor damage, or a faulty connection.

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code B0091 in my GMC?

Diagnosing OBDII code B0091 in a GMC involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific error code, checking the wiring and connections to the Center Front Impact Sensor, and testing the sensor's functionality.

5. Can I still drive my GMC with OBDII code B0091?

It is not recommended to drive your GMC with OBDII code B0091 present, as it indicates a potential problem with the airbag system that could affect its functionality in the event of a collision.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B0091 in my GMC?

Repairing OBDII code B0091 in a GMC may involve repairing or replacing the Center Front Impact Sensor, addressing any wiring issues, and clearing the error code with a diagnostic tool.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0091 in my GMC without fixing the issue?

It is not safe to reset the OBDII code B0091 in your GMC without addressing the underlying issue, as it could compromise the effectiveness of the airbag system in protecting you in a collision.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code B0091 in a GMC?

The cost to fix OBDII code B0091 in a GMC can vary depending on the extent of the issue, but it may involve sensor replacement, wiring repairs, and labor costs, which could range from $200 to $500 or more.

9. Can I prevent OBDII code B0091 from occurring in my GMC?

While some causes of OBDII code B0091 may be unavoidable, regular maintenance and inspections of your GMC's airbag system can help detect potential issues early and prevent the code from triggering.

10. Do I need a professional mechanic to fix OBDII code B0091 in my GMC?

Fixing OBDII code B0091 in your GMC may require specialized knowledge and tools, so it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or dealership to accurately diagnose and repair the issue.