AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

The seat position sensor is used to determine the proximity of the front driver or passenger seat position with respect to the front air bag. Common causes include Faulty Driver Seat Position Sensor, Driver Seat Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Driver Seat Position 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: B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Seat Position Sensor, Driver Seat Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Driver Seat Position 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 434

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 B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The seat position sensor is used to determine the proximity of the front driver or passenger seat position with respect to the front air bag. There are two states of seat position, forward and rearward. The seat position sensor interfaces with the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) and allows the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module to disable stage 2 of the air bag for a front seat that is forward of the forward/rearward point in seat track. The seat position sensor provides two current ranges, one range for the forward seat position and one for the rearward seat position. When the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module receives input from a seat position sensor that the seat is rearward, and the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will not disable stage 2 deployment. When the seat is forward, the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will disable stage 2 deployment. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module monitors the seat position sensor circuit and if a fault is detected, the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will set Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B0079 and disable stage 2 frontal deployment.

OBDII Code B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Faulty Driver Seat Position Sensor
Driver Seat Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Driver Seat Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

B0079:01 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Battery
B0079:02 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
B0079:04 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Open
B0079:05 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage or Open
B0079:06 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Low Voltage or Open
B0079:08 Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Performance-Signal Invalid
B0079:0C Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit Low Current

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 B0079 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of an OBDII code B0079 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado related to the driver seat position sensor circuit?

The common symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard, the seat position not adjusting properly, and potential issues with the airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of the OBDII code B0079 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Potential causes include a faulty driver seat position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose a B0079 code related to the driver seat position sensor in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing the issue involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connectors for any visible damage, and testing the driver seat position sensor for proper functionality.

4. Can I drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with an OBDII code B0079 related to the driver seat position sensor circuit?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag-related fault code, as it may compromise the functionality of the airbag system in case of an accident.

5. How can I repair the OBDII code B0079 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado myself?

Repairing the issue may involve replacing the faulty driver seat position sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the fault code with a scan tool after the repair is completed.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B0079 related to the driver seat position sensor in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily clear the warning light, but the issue will likely reappear, potentially compromising the safety of the airbag system.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast without much automotive experience fix the OBDII code B0079 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

While some simple repairs like checking and reconnecting loose connectors can be done by DIY enthusiasts, diagnosing and repairing complex issues with the airbag system is best left to professional mechanics.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code B0079 related to the driver seat position sensor in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado at a dealership?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $200 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

9. Are there any recalls or service bulletins related to the OBDII code B0079 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

It's advisable to check with a Chevrolet dealership or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if there are any relevant recalls or service bulletins for this specific issue.

10. How important is it to address the OBDII code B0079 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado promptly?

It is crucial to address any airbag-related fault codes promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system in the event of a collision, as the safety of the vehicle occupants may be compromised if the issue is not resolved.