AutoCodes – Pontiac – B0103 Pontiac

B0103 Pontiac Code - Passenger-Side EFS Valid Identification Not Received

Quick Answer

Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), also known as a front end sensor, uses a unidirectional 2-wire circuit. Common causes include Faulty Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) harness is open or shorted, Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) 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: B0103 Pontiac indicates Passenger-Side EFS Valid Identification Not Received.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) harness is open or shorted, Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) 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 2,774

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0103 Pontiac Description

Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS), also known as a front end sensor, uses a unidirectional 2-wire circuit. EFS sensor modulates current on the interface to send identification, State Of Health (SOH) and deployment commands to Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The SDM serves as a power source and ground for EFS. When ignition is turned on and EFS detects power from SDM, EFS responds by performing internal diagnostics and sending identification to SDM. SDM considers identification message to be valid if received within 5 seconds of EFS powering up. EFS continually communicates a status message to SDM. When fault is detected, SDM will attempt to reset EFS twice by removing and applying power. If fault is still present, SDM will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

OBDII Code B0103 Pontiac - Passenger-Side EFS Valid Identification Not Received - AutoCodes.com — B0103 Pontiac Code - Passenger-Side EFS Valid Identification Not Received

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0103 Pontiac?

Faulty Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS)
Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) harness is open or shorted
Passenger-Side Electronic Frontal Sensor (EFS) circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0103 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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0103 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 B0103 Pontiac code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0103 Pontiac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0103 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 B0103 Pontiac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0103 in a Pontiac related to the passenger-side EFS valid identification not received?

- The most common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential non-deployment of the passenger-side airbag during a collision.

2. What are some possible causes of the B0103 code on a Pontiac?

- The code B0103 usually indicates a communication issue between the airbag module and the passenger-side occupant detection system, which could be caused by a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or a malfunction in the airbag module itself.

3. How can I diagnose the B0103 code in my Pontiac?

- Diagnosing the B0103 code typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connections related to the passenger-side occupant detection system, and performing tests to identify the root cause of the communication failure.

4. Is it safe to drive with the B0103 code present in my Pontiac?

- It is not recommended to drive with the B0103 code active, as it indicates a potential issue with the passenger-side airbag system, which could compromise the safety of the vehicle occupants in the event of a collision.

5. How can I repair the B0103 code in my Pontiac?

- Repairing the B0103 code often involves addressing the underlying cause, which could include replacing a faulty sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or reprogramming the airbag module. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and repair.

6. Can I reset the B0103 code in my Pontiac using an OBDII scanner?

- While you can use an OBDII scanner to clear the B0103 code, it is important to first diagnose and repair the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring.

7. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B0103 code in Pontiac vehicles?

- It is advisable to check with the manufacturer or a certified dealership for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B0103 code in Pontiac vehicles, as they may provide additional guidance or coverage for repairs.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast repair the B0103 code in a Pontiac?

- While some simple tasks like checking connections or fuses can be done by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing the B0103 code related to the passenger-side EFS valid identification may require specialized tools and expertise, making it advisable to seek professional help.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair the B0103 code in a Pontiac?

- The cost of repairing the B0103 code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the labor rates in your area, and the parts needed for the repair. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different mechanics or dealerships for an accurate estimate.

10. Will the B0103 code cause my Pontiac to fail a vehicle inspection?

- The B0103 code related to the passenger-side EFS valid identification not received can be a safety concern, and in some regions, it may cause your Pontiac to fail a vehicle inspection due to the potential impact on airbag functionality. It is important to address the issue promptly to ensure compliance with inspection requirements.