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DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0087

B0087Passenger Seatbelt Pretensioner Resistance High

B0087 means the restraint control module has measured resistance in the passenger seatbelt pretensioner circuit that is higher than the expected range, indicating an open or poor connection. The module sets this code when the circuit resistance exceeds its calibrated threshold during its self-test, which can prevent the pretensioner from firing in a collision.

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 dashboard.
  • A chime or message may appear reminding you to service the restraint system.
  • The passenger seatbelt may feel normal to buckle and unbuckle, with no obvious mechanical fault.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, because the pretensioner only deploys in a crash.
  • In some vehicles, the passenger airbag may be disabled or the restraint system may enter a reduced-performance mode.
  • Intermittent warning light operation over bumps or when the passenger seat is moved.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A loose, corroded, or unplugged electrical connector at the passenger seatbelt pretensioner.
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring between the restraint control module and the pretensioner, often from seat movement or a pinched harness.
  3. High resistance inside the pretensioner squib itself, which usually requires replacing the pretensioner assembly.
  4. Corrosion or terminal tension loss at the restraint control module connector.
  5. Aftermarket accessories or previous repairs that disturbed the SRS harness under the passenger seat.
  6. A faulty restraint control module, though this is less common than wiring and connector issues.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time, then inspect the passenger seatbelt pretensioner connector for looseness, corrosion, or pushed-out terminals.
  2. Check the wiring harness under the passenger seat for chafing, pinching, or damage from seat track movement, and repair any damaged wires.
  3. Measure the resistance of the pretensioner squib with a digital multimeter at the connector, following the manufacturer's specification, to determine whether the squib is out of range.
  4. Measure circuit resistance from the restraint control module connector to the pretensioner to isolate whether the high resistance is in the harness or the component.
  5. Inspect and clean the restraint control module connector terminals, checking for corrosion or poor terminal tension.
  6. If the squib resistance is out of specification, replace the passenger seatbelt pretensioner assembly as required by the manufacturer.
  7. Clear the code and verify the repair by cycling the ignition and confirming the SRS light does not return.

Why passenger pretensioner codes mislead

  • A common mistake is replacing the pretensioner when the real fault is a corroded connector or a wire broken inside its insulation under the passenger seat.
  • Moving the passenger seat fully forward and back can temporarily change the resistance reading, which points to a harness routing problem rather than a failed squib.
  • The restraint control module may set B0087 along with other passenger-side codes if the shared ground or power feed for that circuit is compromised.
  • Never use a standard ohmmeter on a live airbag or pretensioner circuit; always disconnect the battery and follow the manufacturer's wait time before probing.
  • Some vehicles require the restraint control module to be configured or the code cleared with a scan tool after repair, or the warning light will stay on even with a good circuit.

Can I keep driving with B0087?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive because the pretensioner only affects crash protection, but the passenger seatbelt may not tension in a collision. Avoid carrying a passenger in that seat until the fault is repaired, and have the system diagnosed promptly.

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.

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