AutoCodesPontiac – B0104 Pontiac

B0104 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 1,153
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code B0104 Pontiac 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 Pontiac - Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay Message - AutoCodes.com
B0104 Pontiac Code - Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay Message

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0104 Pontiac?

  • 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 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac code?

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

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Get the B0104 Pontiac 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 Pontiac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0104 in a Pontiac, indicating a "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B0104 being stored in the vehicle's system.

2. What could be the possible causes of OBDII code B0104 in a Pontiac triggering the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message?

- The code B0104 typically indicates a malfunction in the passenger-side airbag system, which could be caused by a faulty electronic front sensor (EFS), wiring issues, or a problem with the airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message related to OBDII code B0104 in my Pontiac?

- To diagnose the issue, you may need to use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code, visually inspect the wiring and connectors in the airbag system, and perform component testing on the electronic front sensor.

4. Is it safe to drive my Pontiac with the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message triggered by OBDII code B0104?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning light illuminated, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system's functionality, which could compromise passenger safety in the event of a collision.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B0104 in my Pontiac to resolve the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message?

- Repairing the issue may involve replacing the faulty electronic front sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming the airbag control module. It is advisable to consult a professional mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.

6. Can resetting the OBDII system clear the B0104 code and the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message in my Pontiac?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code and message, but if the underlying issue causing the fault is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear once the system detects the problem again.

7. Are there any safety precautions I should take if I suspect a problem related to the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message due to OBDII code B0104 in my Pontiac?

- It is important to prioritize safety by having the airbag system inspected and repaired by a qualified technician to ensure proper functionality and passenger protection in the vehicle.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0104 causing the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message in a Pontiac?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the labor rates in your area, and the parts needed for the repair. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different repair shops for an accurate estimate.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast with automotive knowledge fix OBDII code B0104 and the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message in a Pontiac?

- While some experienced DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair simple issues related to the airbag system, dealing with safety-critical components like the electronic front sensor is best left to professional mechanics to ensure proper repair and safety compliance.

10. How often should I have the airbag system in my Pontiac checked to prevent OBDII code B0104 and the "Passenger-Side EFS Not Okay" message from occurring?

- It is recommended to have the airbag system inspected during routine maintenance or whenever you notice any warning signs such as the airbag light coming on to address any potential issues promptly and ensure the system's proper operation.

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