A damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the driver seat belt load limiter or retractor assembly.; Corroded or spread terminals in the load limiter circuit, often from moisture intrusion or age.; An open or shorted wire in the harness between the restraint control module and the load limiter, commonly at the seat track or door sill where flexing occurs.; A failed load limiter squib or internal short in the deployment circuit, requiring replacement of the seat belt assembly.; A faulty restraint control module, though this is less common and should be confirmed after circuit testing.; Improperly performed seat or trim repairs that pinched or cut the load limiter wiring.; Aftermarket accessories or seat covers that interfere with the connector or wiring.

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0080

B0080Driver Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0080 mean?

Driver Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control. B0080 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the driver seat belt load limiter, which is a pyrotechnic device that slackens the belt webbing in a crash to reduce chest injury. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range, often disabling the load limiter's deployment function.

B0080 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the driver seat belt load limiter, which is a pyrotechnic device that slackens the belt webbing in a crash to reduce chest injury. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the measured values fall outside the expected range, often disabling the load limiter's deployment function.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

The supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light stays illuminated on the instrument cluster.
A chime or message may appear on the driver information center advising service of the restraint system.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the seat belt operating normally in everyday use.
In some vehicles, the seat belt pretensioner and load limiter functions are disabled, which may not be noticeable until a collision.
Intermittent warning light operation over bumps or when adjusting the seat, indicating a loose connection.
Other restraint system codes may be stored alongside B0080 if the fault affects shared wiring.

Common causes, most likely first

A damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the driver seat belt load limiter or retractor assembly.
Corroded or spread terminals in the load limiter circuit, often from moisture intrusion or age.
An open or shorted wire in the harness between the restraint control module and the load limiter, commonly at the seat track or door sill where flexing occurs.
A failed load limiter squib or internal short in the deployment circuit, requiring replacement of the seat belt assembly.
A faulty restraint control module, though this is less common and should be confirmed after circuit testing.
Improperly performed seat or trim repairs that pinched or cut the load limiter wiring.
Aftermarket accessories or seat covers that interfere with the connector or wiring.

How to diagnose and fix it

Retrieve and record all stored codes from the restraint control module, then clear codes and verify whether B0080 returns immediately or after driving.
Visually inspect the load limiter connector and wiring at the driver seat belt retractor for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time, then measure the resistance of the load limiter squib circuit at the connector to compare with the factory specification.
Perform a wiggle test on the harness while monitoring live data or resistance to identify intermittent faults.
Check for continuity and short-to-ground or short-to-voltage on each wire between the restraint control module and the load limiter connector.
If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good load limiter only if the manufacturer permits, or replace the seat belt retractor assembly as required.
After repair, clear codes and verify the SRS warning light extinguishes and no codes return during a road test.

Load limiter faults that fool good technicians

A common oversight is replacing the restraint control module before checking the seat belt load limiter connector, which is often the actual fault due to repeated seat movement.
The load limiter is frequently integrated into the seat belt retractor, so technicians sometimes replace the entire assembly when only a pigtail connector or terminal repair is needed.
B0080 can be set by a low battery or voltage spike during service, so always clear codes and recheck before condemning parts.
Some vehicles require the battery to be disconnected for a specified time before servicing the load limiter to prevent accidental deployment, and skipping this step can cause injury or new codes.
The code does not always mean the load limiter is defective; a poor ground connection at the restraint control module or seat frame can mimic a circuit fault.

Can I keep driving with B0080?

The vehicle remains safe to drive in normal conditions because the seat belt still provides primary restraint, but the load limiter may not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk. Avoid aggressive driving and have the fault diagnosed promptly, especially if the SRS light is accompanied by other restraint codes.

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.