AutoCodes – GMC – B0079 GMC

B0079 GMC 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 GMC 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 11,175

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 GMC 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 GMC - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0079 GMC Code - Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0079 GMC?

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 GMC?

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 GMC 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 GMC code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0079 GMC code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific GMC Models

B0079 2014 GMC Sierra — Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit
B0079 2015 GMC Sierra — Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit
B0079 2016 GMC Sierra — Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit
B0079 2017 GMC Sierra — Driver Seat Position Sensor Circuit
B0079 2018 GMC Sierra — Driver Seat Position 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 B0079 GMC Code

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

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0079 GMC?

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

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B0079 GMC?

Diagnosis usually involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the driver seat position sensor for proper operation.

4. Can I repair the driver seat position sensor circuit issue myself?

Depending on your experience and knowledge, you may be able to repair the issue yourself by replacing the faulty sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or fixing connector issues. However, it's recommended to seek professional help if you're unsure.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B0079 GMC active?

It's not recommended to drive with this code active, as it may indicate a problem with the airbag system, which is crucial for your safety in the event of a collision.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0079 GMC?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the cause of the issue. Replacing a faulty sensor or repairing wiring may cost a few hundred dollars, while addressing a more complex problem could be more expensive.

7. Can resetting the OBDII code B0079 GMC turn off the airbag warning light?

While resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, it's important to diagnose and repair the underlying issue to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system.

8. Will OBDII code B0079 GMC affect the overall performance of my vehicle?

This code is related to the airbag system and may not directly impact the performance of your vehicle. However, it's crucial for your safety in case of an accident.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B0079 GMC?

The repair time can vary depending on the cause of the issue and the complexity of the repair. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to complete the repair.

10. Can OBDII code B0079 GMC be intermittent?

Yes, the issue related to this code can sometimes be intermittent, with the warning light coming on and off sporadically. It's still important to diagnose and address the problem to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system.