AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0071 Chevrolet

B0071 Chevrolet Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

The seat belt tension sensor is a sensor mounted on the passenger seat belt retractor and provides input to the Passenger Presence Module. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Belt Retractor (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor), Passenger Seat Belt Retractor harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Belt Retractor 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: B0071 Chevrolet indicates Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Seat Belt Retractor (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor), Passenger Seat Belt Retractor harness is open or shorted, Passenger Seat Belt Retractor 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 6,733

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 17, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0071 Chevrolet Description

The seat belt tension sensor is a sensor mounted on the passenger seat belt retractor and provides input to the Passenger Presence Module. When an infant car seat is properly restrained on the front passenger seat, the seat belt is tightly secured through the car seat. The seat belt pulls on the tension sensor and changes the voltage signal to the Passenger Presence Module. The Passenger Presence Module monitors the belt tension sensor signal circuit and if a fault is detected, the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set. When the Passenger Presence Module detects this DTC, it will send out a serial data message, and the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will notify the customer of the enable/disable status by illuminating the OFF indicator on the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will then suppress the deployment of the passenger instrument panel air bag and illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.

OBDII Code B0071 Chevrolet - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0071 Chevrolet Code - Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071 Chevrolet?

Faulty Passenger Seat Belt Retractor (Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor)
Passenger Seat Belt Retractor harness is open or shorted
Passenger Seat Belt Retractor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Passenger Presence Module

How to Fix the DTC B0071 Chevrolet?

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

B0071:03 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Below Threshold
B0071:04 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Open
B0071:07 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Above Threshold
B0071:08 Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit Voltage Performance Signal Invalid

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0071 Chevrolet 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 B0071 Chevrolet code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0071 Chevrolet code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071 Chevrolet code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

B0071 2014 Chevrolet Silverado — Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit
B0071 2015 Chevrolet Silverado — Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit
B0071 2016 Chevrolet Silverado — Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit
B0071 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit
B0071 2018 Chevrolet Silverado — Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit

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 B0071 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0071 in a Chevrolet related to the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit?

- Common symptoms include the airbag light staying illuminated on the dashboard, intermittent or constant warning chimes, and potential non-deployment of the passenger-side airbag.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0071 in a Chevrolet?

- The code B0071 in a Chevrolet related to the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit can be triggered by issues such as a faulty seat belt tension sensor, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B0071 in a Chevrolet?

- Diagnosing OBDII code B0071 typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the seat belt tension sensor and related wiring for damage, and testing the airbag control module for proper functionality.

4. Can I repair OBDII code B0071 in a Chevrolet on my own?

- While basic diagnostics like checking for loose connections or damaged wiring can be done by DIY enthusiasts, repairing OBDII code B0071 often requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is recommended to seek professional assistance for proper diagnosis and repair.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B0071 present in a Chevrolet?

- It is not advisable to continue driving with OBDII code B0071 triggered in a Chevrolet, as it indicates a potential issue with the passenger-side airbag system. Continuing to drive with this code present may compromise the effectiveness of the airbag in the event of a collision.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0071 in a Chevrolet?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B0071 in a Chevrolet can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue. Costs may include parts replacement, labor charges, and diagnostic fees, so it is recommended to obtain quotes from reputable auto repair shops.

7. Are there any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B0071 in Chevrolet vehicles?

- It is advisable to check with Chevrolet dealerships or the manufacturer's website for any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B0071 in your specific Chevrolet model. Recalls or bulletins may provide information on known issues and solutions.

8. Can OBDII code B0071 be triggered by a simple issue like a loose connector?

- Yes, OBDII code B0071 can sometimes be triggered by a loose or disconnected connector related to the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit. It is recommended to check all connections before proceeding with further diagnostics.

9. Will resetting the OBDII system clear the B0071 code in a Chevrolet?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the B0071 code, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear. It is important to diagnose and repair the root cause of the code for a permanent solution.

10. What should I do if OBDII code B0071 keeps coming back after repairs?

- If OBDII code B0071 continues to reappear after repairs, it indicates that the issue has not been fully resolved. It is recommended to recheck the repairs, perform additional diagnostics if necessary, or seek professional help to address any persistent issues.