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DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B007E

B007EDriver Seat Belt Pretensioner C Deployment Control

B007E indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the driver's seat belt pretensioner on the C-channel, which is the third pretensioner circuit in the driver's seating position. The module monitors circuit resistance and continuity during its self-test and sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range, meaning the pretensioner may not fire in a collision.

SystemBody
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityHigh
Fix difficultyProfessional
AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

  • The supplemental restraint system warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, often accompanied by a chime.
  • The airbag or SRS warning message may appear on the driver information center.
  • The seat belt pretensioner may not deploy in a frontal collision, increasing injury risk.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, because the pretensioner is a one-time-use device that only activates during a crash.
  • In some vehicles, other restraint system functions may be disabled or the airbag system may enter a reduced-performance mode.
  • Intermittent warning light operation if the fault is a loose connector or chafed wire that moves with seat position.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the pretensioner or under the seat.
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring in the seat harness, often caused by repeated seat movement or pinched routing.
  3. An open or shorted pretensioner squib, which is the actual pyrotechnic initiator inside the pretensioner assembly.
  4. High resistance in the deployment circuit due to a poor terminal crimp or corrosion.
  5. A faulty restraint control module that incorrectly interprets a good circuit as faulty, though this is less common.
  6. Aftermarket accessories or seat covers that interfere with the pretensioner connector or wiring.
  7. Water intrusion or physical damage to the pretensioner assembly from a spill or collision repair.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the pretensioner connector under the driver's seat for looseness, corrosion, or bent pins, and reseat it firmly.
  2. Check the seat harness for chafing, pinching, or damage where it flexes with seat movement, and repair any damaged wires.
  3. Measure the resistance of the pretensioner squib with a digital multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specification, typically a few ohms.
  4. Perform a wiggle test on the harness and connectors while watching live data for the pretensioner circuit to catch intermittent faults.
  5. If resistance is out of specification, replace the pretensioner assembly following the manufacturer's procedures, including disconnecting the battery and waiting the specified time.
  6. Clear the code and verify the repair by cycling the ignition and confirming the warning light goes out and the code does not return.
  7. If the circuit tests good but the code persists, diagnose the restraint control module and its connections before replacing it.

What the C-channel pretensioner code really means

  • The C designation in B007E refers to a specific pretensioner circuit, so a similar code for the A or B circuit points to a different physical connector or squib, and mixing them up leads to replacing the wrong part.
  • A common misdiagnosis is replacing the pretensioner when the real fault is a chafed wire under the seat that only loses contact when the seat is moved, so always wiggle-test the harness before condemning the squib.
  • The restraint control module often sets this code after a low-voltage event or a battery replacement if the system self-test is interrupted, so check for a stable battery voltage before chasing wiring.
  • Aftermarket seat covers or objects stored under the seat can press on the pretensioner connector and cause an intermittent open circuit that mimics a failed squib.
  • This code does not always mean the pretensioner is defective; a poor ground connection for the restraint control module can skew the circuit resistance measurement and set a false deployment control fault.

Can I keep driving with B007E?

Because this fault can prevent the driver's seat belt pretensioner from deploying in a crash, have it diagnosed and repaired promptly; you may drive the vehicle to a repair shop, but avoid aggressive driving and any situation where a collision is likely until the system is fixed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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