AutoCodes – Buick – B0104 Buick

B0104 Buick Code - Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay Message

Quick Answer

Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), also known as a front end sensor, uses a unidirectional 2-wire circuit. Common causes include Faulty Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) harness is open or shorted, Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) 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: B0104 Buick indicates Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay Message.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) harness is open or shorted, Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) 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 959

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0104 Buick Description

Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), also known as a front end sensor, uses a unidirectional 2-wire circuit. EFS sensor modulates current on the interface to send identification, State Of Health (SOH) and deployment commands to Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The SDM serves as a power source and ground for EFS. When ignition is turned on and EFS detects power from SDM, EFS responds by performing internal diagnostics and sending identification to SDM. SDM considers identification message to be valid if received within 5 seconds of EFS powering up. EFS continually communicates a status message to SDM. When fault is detected, SDM will attempt to reset EFS twice by removing and applying power. If fault is still present, SDM will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

OBDII Code B0104 Buick - Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay Message - AutoCodes.com — B0104 Buick Code - Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay Message

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0104 Buick?

Faulty Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS)
Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) harness is open or shorted
Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0104 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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0104 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 B0104 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0104 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0104 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 B0104 Buick Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0104 in a Buick related to the Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay message?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a message indicating "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay."

2. What could be the possible causes of OBDII code B0104 in a Buick?

- The code B0104 in a Buick is often caused by a malfunction in the passenger-side electronic front sensor (EFS), which is part of the airbag system.

3. How serious is the OBDII code B0104 related to the Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay message in a Buick?

- This code indicates a problem with the passenger-side airbag sensor, which is a critical safety component. It is important to address this issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system.

4. Can I continue driving my Buick with the OBDII code B0104 displaying the Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay message?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning light on and the message indicating a fault in the passenger-side EFS. It is best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician.

5. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code B0104 in a Buick myself?

- Diagnosing and repairing the passenger-side EFS issue requires specialized knowledge and tools. It is recommended to have a professional technician with experience in airbag systems diagnose and repair the problem.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0104 related to the Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay message in a Buick without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem is not recommended, as it may lead to the airbag system not functioning properly in the event of an accident.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0104 in a Buick?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B0104 can vary depending on the specific issue causing the fault. It is recommended to obtain a diagnostic from a qualified technician to determine the exact repair cost.

8. Are there any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B0104 in Buick vehicles?

- It is advisable to check with the manufacturer or authorized Buick service center to inquire about any recalls or service bulletins related to the OBDII code B0104 and the Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay message.

9. Can a faulty passenger-side EFS impact other safety features in the vehicle?

- A malfunctioning passenger-side EFS can potentially affect the overall performance of the airbag system, which is a crucial safety feature in the vehicle designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B0104 in a Buick?

- The repair time for OBDII code B0104 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of parts. It is recommended to consult with a technician for a more accurate estimate of the repair time.