AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0091 Chevrolet

B0091 Chevrolet Code - Center Front Impact Sensor

Quick Answer

The impact sensors are equipped on vehicles to supplement the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system performance. Common causes include Faulty Center Front Impact Sensor, Center Front Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Center Front Impact 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: B0091 Chevrolet indicates Center Front Impact Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Center Front Impact Sensor, Center Front Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted, Center Front Impact 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 20,876

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 Nov 06, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0091 Chevrolet Description

The impact sensors are equipped on vehicles to supplement the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system performance. The impact sensors are electronic and are not part of the deployment loops, instead, they provide inputs to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The impact sensors can assist in determining the severity of some frontal and side collisions. The inflatable restraint sensing and the diagnostic module use the input from the impact sensors to assist in determining the severity of a collision, further supporting air bag deployment. If the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module determine a deployment is warranted, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will cause current to flow through the deployment loops deploying the appropriate air bags. The center front impact sensor and side impact sensors utilize a bidirectional 2-wire circuit. The sensors modulate current on the interface to send identification, state of health, and deployment commands to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module serve as a power source and a ground for the sensors. When the ignition is turned ON and input power from the inflatable restraint sensing and the diagnostic module is first detected, the sensors respond by performing internal diagnostics and sending identification to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module consider the identification to be valid if the response time is less than 5 s. The sensors continually communicate status messages to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module, which determines if a fault is present in the sensor circuit. When a fault is detected, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module may reset the sensors up to 2 times by removing and reapplying power to it. If the fault is still present, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

OBDII Code B0091 Chevrolet - Center Front Impact Sensor - AutoCodes.com — B0091 Chevrolet Code - Center Front Impact Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0091 Chevrolet?

Faulty Center Front Impact Sensor
Center Front Impact Sensor harness is open or shorted
Center Front Impact Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0091 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

B0091:01 Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery
B0091:02 Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Ground
B0091:05 Center Front Impact Sensor Short to Battery or Open
B0091:0F Center Front Impact Sensor Erratic
B0091:39 Center Front Impact Sensor Internal Electronic Failure
B0091:3A Center Front Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed
B0091:71 Center Front Impact Sensor Invalid Serial Data Received

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0091 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 B0091 Chevrolet code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0091 Chevrolet code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0091 Chevrolet code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

B0091 2014 Chevrolet Silverado — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2015 Chevrolet Silverado — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2016 Chevrolet Silverado — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — Center Front Impact Sensor
B0091 2018 Chevrolet Silverado — Center Front Impact Sensor

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 B0091 Chevrolet Code

1. What does OBDII code B0091 for a Chevrolet center front impact sensor mean?

This code indicates a malfunction in the center front impact sensor, which is responsible for detecting collisions at the front of the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of a faulty center front impact sensor?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, the airbags not deploying in a collision, and potential issues with other safety systems.

3. What can cause the B0091 code to trigger in a Chevrolet?

The B0091 code can be triggered by a damaged impact sensor, wiring issues, a faulty airbag control module, or a problem with the overall airbag system.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of the B0091 code in my Chevrolet?

Diagnosing the B0091 code usually requires a scan tool to read the specific details of the code and conducting a visual inspection of the impact sensor and its wiring for any visible damage.

5. Is it safe to drive my Chevrolet with the B0091 code present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the B0091 code active, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system, which is crucial for occupant safety in the event of a collision.

6. Can I repair a B0091 code in my Chevrolet myself?

Repairing a B0091 code may require specialized knowledge and tools, so it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic or dealership to properly diagnose and fix the issue.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair a B0091 code in a Chevrolet?

The cost of repairing a B0091 code can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the center front impact sensor, repairing wiring, or addressing other related components.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code clear the B0091 code in my Chevrolet?

Simply clearing the code without addressing the root cause will not fix the issue. It is important to diagnose and repair the problem triggering the B0091 code to ensure the safety system functions properly.

9. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B0091 code in Chevrolet vehicles?

It is advisable to check with Chevrolet dealerships or online databases for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B0091 code in your specific Chevrolet model.

10. How often should I have the center front impact sensor in my Chevrolet inspected?

Regular inspections of the airbag system, including the impact sensors, are recommended during routine maintenance visits to ensure they are functioning correctly and to catch any potential issues early.