Damaged or chafed wiring in the passenger-side pretensioner circuit, often at the seat track or door sill.; Loose or corroded connector at the passenger-side pretensioner or under the passenger seat.; Open or shorted second-stage deployment squib inside the passenger pretensioner.; Water intrusion or corrosion in the passenger-side kick panel or floor harness.; Failed SRS control module, though this is less common than wiring faults.; Aftermarket accessories or seat covers that disturb the pretensioner wiring.

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B0091

B0091Passenger Side Pretensioner Stage 2 Deployment Control

Q: What does code B0091 mean?

Passenger Side Pretensioner Stage 2 Deployment Control. B0091 indicates that the supplemental restraint system (SRS) control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the second stage of the passenger-side seat belt pretensioner. The computer monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, which can prevent that stage from firing in a collision.

B0091 indicates that the supplemental restraint system (SRS) control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the second stage of the passenger-side seat belt pretensioner. The computer monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, which can prevent that stage from firing in a collision.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

The airbag or SRS warning light stays illuminated on the dashboard.
The passenger-side seat belt may not lock or retract as designed during a sudden stop.
In some vehicles, the passenger airbag may be automatically disabled as a fail-safe.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with no change in how the car drives.
Intermittent warning light flicker when driving over bumps or adjusting the passenger seat.

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or chafed wiring in the passenger-side pretensioner circuit, often at the seat track or door sill.
Loose or corroded connector at the passenger-side pretensioner or under the passenger seat.
Open or shorted second-stage deployment squib inside the passenger pretensioner.
Water intrusion or corrosion in the passenger-side kick panel or floor harness.
Failed SRS control module, though this is less common than wiring faults.
Aftermarket accessories or seat covers that disturb the pretensioner wiring.

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and record all SRS codes, then clear B0091 and verify whether it returns immediately.
Inspect the passenger-side pretensioner connector and the under-seat harness for looseness, corrosion, or damage.
Check the wiring along the seat track and door sill for chafing or pinches, repairing any damaged insulation.
Measure resistance across the second-stage pretensioner squib with a digital multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification.
Perform a wiggle test on the passenger seat and harness while watching live SRS data to catch intermittent faults.
If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good pretensioner or SRS module only after confirming powers and grounds.
After repair, clear codes and confirm the SRS light stays off through a complete drive cycle.

What the SRS light hides about B0091

A seat belt pretensioner contains a small explosive charge, so never probe its connector with a powered test light or ohmmeter unless the manufacturer's procedure explicitly allows it.
The second stage is often a separate squib from the first stage, so a pretensioner can pass a basic continuity check and still set B0091.
Passenger seat removal for cleaning or upholstery work frequently disturbs the pretensioner harness and is a common cause of this code appearing afterward.
Some vehicles disable the passenger frontal airbag when B0091 is stored, so the warning light may be the only clue that occupant protection is reduced.
A weak or failing battery can cause the SRS module to log deployment circuit codes during cranking, so check battery health before condemning the pretensioner.

Can I keep driving with B0091?

The car remains driveable, but the passenger-side pretensioner may not deploy correctly in a crash, so avoid carrying a front passenger until the fault is repaired. Do not attempt to clear the code and continue driving as if the system is healthy, because the warning light indicates a real loss of restraint performance.

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.