Faulty clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering wheel, which carries the driver pretensioner circuit; Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the driver seat or along the sill; Corroded or loose connector at the pretensioner or restraint control module; Open or shorted pretensioner squib (the deployment element itself); Water intrusion or crash damage affecting the pretensioner circuit; Restraint control module internal fault

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0050

B0050Driver Pretensioner Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0050 mean?

Driver Pretensioner Deployment Control. B0050 is a supplemental restraint system (SRS) code indicating that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the driver's seat belt pretensioner deployment circuit. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, which can prevent the pretensioner from firing in a collision.

B0050 is a supplemental restraint system (SRS) code indicating that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the driver's seat belt pretensioner deployment circuit. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, which can prevent the pretensioner from firing in a collision.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

SRS or airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster
Seat belt warning chime or light staying on when the belt is buckled
Often no symptoms besides the warning light
Pretensioner may not deploy in a frontal impact
Other SRS codes stored alongside B0050

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering wheel, which carries the driver pretensioner circuit
Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the driver seat or along the sill
Corroded or loose connector at the pretensioner or restraint control module
Open or shorted pretensioner squib (the deployment element itself)
Water intrusion or crash damage affecting the pretensioner circuit
Restraint control module internal fault

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record every SRS code before clearing anything
Inspect the driver seat belt pretensioner connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or looseness
Check the clock spring and steering column wiring for continuity and damage
Measure pretensioner squib resistance with a proper meter and compare to specification
Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors, or the clock spring as needed
Replace the pretensioner or restraint control module only after circuit tests confirm the fault
Clear codes and verify the SRS light stays off through a full key cycle

What most technicians miss on B0050

A weak or failing battery can cause the restraint module to log this code, so always check charging system health before condemning parts.
The clock spring is a common culprit because the driver pretensioner circuit often routes through it, and a worn spiral cable can test fine at one steering angle and fail at another.
After any SRS repair, the module may need a learn or calibration procedure, and skipping it can leave the light on even with a good circuit.
Never use a standard ohmmeter on a live pretensioner circuit; always disable the SRS system and wait the specified time before probing connectors.
This code does not always mean the pretensioner is bad; a loose connector or chafed wire under the seat is just as likely and far cheaper to fix.

Can I keep driving with B0050?

The vehicle is drivable, but the driver's pretensioner may not deploy in a crash, so have it diagnosed promptly and avoid relying on the seat belt alone for protection until repaired.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.