AutoCodesGMC – B0079 2016 GMC Sierra

B0079 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 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 370
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 17, 2022
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Code B0079 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B0079 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079 2016 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 GMC Sierra?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0079 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra Code

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

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the airbag system functionality.

2. What are possible causes of the B0079 OBDII code in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- The B0079 code in a 2016 GMC Sierra is typically caused by a malfunction in the driver seat position sensor circuit, which may be due to sensor failure, wiring issues, or a faulty control module.

3. How can I diagnose the driver seat position sensor circuit issue triggering the B0079 code in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- To diagnose the problem, you can use a diagnostic scanner to read the B0079 code, inspect the wiring and connections related to the driver seat position sensor, and test the sensor itself for proper functioning.

4. What are some repair tips for resolving the B0079 OBDII code in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing the faulty driver seat position sensor, and resetting the airbag system after the issue has been fixed.

5. Is it safe to continue driving my 2016 GMC Sierra with the B0079 OBDII code related to the driver seat position sensor circuit?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the B0079 code present, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system that may affect its proper deployment in case of an accident.

6. Can I reset the B0079 OBDII code in my 2016 GMC Sierra without addressing the underlying driver seat position sensor circuit problem?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it is essential to address the root cause of the issue to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system and overall safety of the vehicle.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the driver seat position sensor circuit issue triggering the B0079 code in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts replacement, labor, and diagnostic services, potentially ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic automotive knowledge fix the B0079 OBDII code related to the driver seat position sensor circuit in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address the issue themselves, it is recommended to have the necessary tools, technical understanding, and safety precautions in place when working on airbag-related systems.

9. Will fixing the B0079 OBDII code in my 2016 GMC Sierra require a trip to the dealership or can it be serviced by an independent mechanic?

- This repair can typically be performed by an independent mechanic or automotive repair shop with experience in dealing with airbag systems and diagnostic trouble codes like the B0079.

10. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the B0079 OBDII code in a 2016 GMC Sierra for the driver seat position sensor circuit issue?

- It's advisable to check with the manufacturer or authorized service centers for any recalls or TSBs related to the B0079 code in a 2016 GMC Sierra to see if there are known issues or remedies provided by the manufacturer.

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