01 B0017 and B0018 Codes: Right Front or Passenger Frontal Dep… • 02 The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Plug-in Hybrid SUV That Ch… • 03 Why Drivers Need Medical Insurance: Safeguarding Health and… • 04 Unlocking the Power of Differential Lock: Traction, Problem… • 05 The Truth About Why Repairs Don’t Feel Instant Even When Do… • 06 Introducing D-CAT: Diesel Clean Advanced Technology for Imp… • 07 P0038 H02S heater control circuit high (Bank 1 sensor 2) • 08 Why the Toyota 1NZ Engine Is So Popular (And Its Weaknesses) • 09 B0017 and B0018: Right Front or Passenger Frontal Deploymen… • 10 The Sneaky Mechanical Piece That Increases Fuel Consumption… •

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B00B6

B00B6Driver Seat Recline Position Restraints Sensor

B00B6 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the driver seat recline position sensor circuit, which is used to determine the seat back angle for airbag deployment timing. The module compares the sensor signal against expected voltage ranges and sets this code when the reading is out of range, erratic, or missing entirely.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • Airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster
  • Passenger airbag may be automatically disabled if the system cannot confirm seat position
  • Seat recline motor may stop working or move in only one direction
  • Intermittent warning light that appears when the seat is adjusted
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the seat operating normally

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed recline position sensor inside the seat back assembly
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the seat where it flexes with seat movement
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the sensor or under-seat junction
  4. Seat control module internal fault preventing proper sensor signal processing
  5. Mechanical binding or damage in the recline mechanism that misaligns the sensor
  6. Water intrusion or spill damage affecting the sensor or connector

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for related body and restraint codes to confirm the fault is isolated to the recline sensor circuit
  2. Inspect the under-seat wiring harness and connectors for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins while moving the seat through its full range
  3. Check sensor reference voltage and ground at the connector with a multimeter to rule out supply or ground faults
  4. Measure the sensor signal voltage while slowly reclining the seat to verify a smooth sweep without dropouts or spikes
  5. Compare live sensor data against the service manual specification for the seat back angle at known positions
  6. Replace the recline position sensor or seat back assembly if the signal is erratic or out of range
  7. Clear codes and perform a seat position relearn or calibration procedure if required by the manufacturer

What the recline sensor code really means

  • A seat position sensor that reads slightly out of range can set B00B6 without any noticeable seat malfunction, so the code often appears with no driver complaint beyond the light.
  • The restraint module may disable the passenger airbag as a default when it cannot confirm seat position, which is a safety concern even if the seat still moves normally.
  • Wiring damage under the seat from repeated forward and backward adjustment is a more common cause than sensor failure on high-mileage vehicles.
  • After replacing the sensor, some vehicles require a seat position calibration through the scan tool before the code will clear and stay cleared.
  • A weak or failing seat control module can mimic a sensor fault by corrupting the signal, so always verify the sensor circuit before condemning the module.

Can I keep driving with B00B6?

The vehicle remains driveable, but the airbag system may not deploy optimally for the driver seat position, so avoid adjusting the seat back angle until repaired and have the fault addressed promptly.

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.

Running on fumes Free guides aren't free to make. Top up the tank. Any amount, one time. Fuel the Garage