AutoCodes – Mercury – B229B Mercury

B229B Mercury Code - Occupant Classification System Obstruction

Quick Answer

The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system is used to classify the front passenger seat occupant in the event of a deployable impact. Common causes include A foreign object placed under or contacting the passenger seat, Faulty Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) System Component. 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: B229B Mercury indicates Occupant Classification System Obstruction.
Common causes: Common causes include A foreign object placed under or contacting the passenger seat, Faulty Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) System Component.
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 1,157

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 Oct 31, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B229B Mercury Description

The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system is used to classify the front passenger seat occupant in the event of a deployable impact.
The Occupant Classification Sensor Module (OCSM) monitors the weight sensors and circuitry for faults. If the OCSM detects an obstruction on one or all OCS weight sensors, it will store DTC B229B in memory and send a message to the restraints control module (RCM) which sends a message to the Instrument Cluster (IC) module to illuminates the air bag indicator.

OBDII Code B229B Mercury - Occupant Classification System Obstruction - AutoCodes.com — B229B Mercury Code - Occupant Classification System Obstruction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B229B Mercury?

A foreign object placed under or contacting the passenger seat
Faulty Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) System Component

How to Fix the DTC B229B Mercury?

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 B229B Mercury 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 B229B Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B229B Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B229B Mercury 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 B229B Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B229B Mercury related to the Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying on, seat belt warning light malfunctioning, and potential issues with the airbag system's functionality.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B229B Mercury indicating an Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

Possible causes include a malfunctioning seat weight sensor, obstruction in the seat track, damaged wiring, or a faulty Occupant Classification System module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B229B Mercury related to the Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, conducting visual inspections of the seat components, checking wiring connections, and potentially performing tests on the Occupant Classification System module.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with the OBDII code B229B Mercury indicating an Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it may affect the proper functioning of the airbag system in the event of a collision.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code B229B Mercury associated with the Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

Repair tips include checking and cleaning the seat components, ensuring proper wiring connections, replacing damaged sensors or modules, and resetting the airbag system after repairs are done.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code B229B Mercury linked to the Occupant Classification System Obstruction without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code temporarily, it will likely reappear if the root cause of the problem is not addressed, potentially affecting the safety features of the airbag system.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B229B Mercury related to the Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific issue, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

8. Are there any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B229B Mercury concerning the Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

It's advisable to check with a Mercury dealership or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for any related recalls or service bulletins that may apply to your specific vehicle.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B229B Mercury associated with the Occupant Classification System Obstruction?

While some basic troubleshooting and repairs can be done by a DIY enthusiast, dealing with airbag systems can be complex and potentially dangerous. It's recommended to seek professional help for such issues.

10. How critical is it to address OBDII code B229B Mercury related to the Occupant Classification System Obstruction promptly?

It is crucial to address this code promptly, as it directly affects the safety features of your vehicle's airbag system. Ignoring or delaying repairs may compromise the effectiveness of the airbags in case of an accident.