AutoCodes – Pontiac – B0071 Pontiac

B0071 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 2,266

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0071 Pontiac?

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 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 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 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 B0071 Pontiac code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0071 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 B0071 Pontiac Code

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

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying on, the passenger airbag not deploying properly in an accident, and potential chimes or alerts indicating an issue with the seat belt system.

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

The code B0071 in a Pontiac is typically caused by a faulty passenger seat belt tension sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or a malfunction in the airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code B0071 in my Pontiac?

Diagnosing the issue involves using a scan tool to read the fault codes, inspecting the passenger seat belt tension sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's functionality according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

4. Can I continue driving my Pontiac with OBDII code B0071 present?

It is not recommended to drive your Pontiac with the OBDII code B0071, as it indicates a potential safety issue with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit that could affect the proper deployment of the airbag in case of an accident.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B0071 in my Pontiac related to the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit?

Repairing the B0071 code may involve replacing the faulty passenger seat belt tension sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring and connectors, or reprogramming the airbag control module to clear the fault code.

6. Is it possible to reset OBDII code B0071 in a Pontiac without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the fault code temporarily by resetting the vehicle's computer, the code is likely to reappear if the underlying issue with the passenger seat belt tension sensor circuit is not addressed.

7. Are there any safety precautions I should take when working on the Passenger Seat Belt Tension Sensor Circuit in my Pontiac?

When working on the seat belt tension sensor circuit, it is important to disconnect the vehicle's battery, follow proper safety procedures outlined in the service manual, and avoid deploying the airbags accidentally.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast with some automotive experience repair OBDII code B0071 in a Pontiac?

Depending on the extent of the issue and the enthusiast's familiarity with automotive repairs, it may be possible to address the B0071 code by following the manufacturer's repair instructions and using the right tools.

9. Will fixing OBDII code B0071 in my Pontiac require a visit to the dealership or a specialized mechanic?

While some repairs related to the seat belt tension sensor circuit may require specialized tools or knowledge, many DIY-friendly fixes are possible for addressing the B0071 code in a Pontiac without necessarily visiting a dealership or specialized mechanic.

10. How crucial is it to address OBDII code B0071 in a timely manner in a Pontiac?

Addressing the B0071 code promptly is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the passenger airbag system and maintaining the safety of occupants in the event of a collision. It is recommended not to delay repairs related to this code.