AutoCodesBuick – B3904 Buick

B3904 Buick Code - Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor Signal Invalid

Quick Answer

Rear compartment occupant sensor is connected to battery voltage and ground at all times. Common causes include Faulty Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor, Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor harness is open or shorted, Rear Compartment Occupant 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
B3904 Buick indicates Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor Signal Invalid.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor, Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor harness is open or shorted, Rear Compartment Occupant 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 508
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 25, 2020
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Code B3904 Buick Description

Rear compartment occupant sensor is connected to battery voltage and ground at all times. When a combination of a difference in temperature compared to ambient and movement is detected by rear compartment occupant sensor and ignition is off, Body Control Module (BCM) will command horn to chirp and command deck lid to release within 3 minutes of a detect signal from rear compartment occupant sensor. If ignition is on when BCM receives detect signal, disable switch on rear compartment occupant sensor will flash.
Rear compartment occupant sensor can be disabled by pressing disable switch on rear compartment occupant sensor and holding for 2 seconds. BCM will command trunk ajar telltale on for one minute with each ignition on signal while rear compartment occupant sensor is disabled. Once deck lid is opened, rear compartment occupant sensor will reset to on and resume normal operation. Rear compartment occupant sensor can also be enabled inside of rear compartment with ignition on or off by pressing disable switch. Deck lid ajar switch signal circuit is used for rear compartment occupant sensor class 2 data.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when BCM receives an invalid status signal from rear compartment occupant sensor.
OBDII Code B3904 Buick - Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor Signal Invalid - AutoCodes.com
B3904 Buick Code - Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor Signal Invalid

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3904 Buick?

  • Faulty Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor
  • Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Compartment Occupant Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B3904 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 B3904 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.

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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 B3904 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code B3904 mean for a Buick?

The code B3904 indicates that the rear compartment occupant sensor signal is invalid, often tied to a fault in detecting passenger presence or weight in the rear seat.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B3904 in a Buick?

Symptoms may include malfunctioning rear seat occupant detection system, airbag warning light illumination, or incorrect airbag deployment behavior.

3. What causes the B3904 code to appear in a Buick?

Common causes include a faulty rear occupant sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a problem with the control module responsible for the sensor.

4. Can driving with the B3904 code cause safety issues?

Yes, it may affect airbag deployment logic, potentially compromising passenger safety in the event of a collision.

5. How is the B3904 code diagnosed in a Buick?

Technicians use an OBDII scanner to verify the code, inspect the rear occupant sensor, and check for wiring or connector damage.

6. How can I fix the B3904 code in a Buick?

Repairs may involve replacing the rear occupant sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming the control module.

7. Is replacing the rear occupant sensor expensive?

Costs vary depending on the model and labor rates, but replacement typically ranges from $150 to $400.

8. Can the B3904 code be cleared without repairs?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause may only provide a temporary fix, as the issue will likely return.

9. Can I reset the B3904 code myself?

You can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, but if the underlying problem isn’t fixed, it will reappear.

10. What should I do if the B3904 code persists after repairs?

If the code persists, recheck the wiring, sensor installation, and control module programming, or consult a qualified technician for further diagnosis.

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