01 High Horsepower vs High Torque: Which One is Better for You… • 02 Hackers Can Now Steer Your Car Remotely And Here’s How to S… • 03 The Real Cost of Owning an Electric Car: Your Electric Bill • 04 6×6 Mercedes-Benz G63 Amg W463 Brabus G700 Tuning – The Ult… • 05 What Does It Mean When Your Car Says “Engine Power Reduced”? • 06 Drones: The Ultimate Guide to How They Work and What They C… • 07 Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change and Oil Top-Up: Warnings… • 08 CVT Gearbox Blues: Common Problems and Warning Signs • 09 Why Do Car Engines Have a Redline and What Happens If You E… • 10 Can Motor Oil Substitute Transmission Fluid? A Comprehensiv… •

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B00E1

B00E1Third Row Right Seat Belt Pretensioner B Deployment Control

B00E1 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the third row right seat belt pretensioner, which is the pyrotechnic device that tightens the belt during a crash. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range, disabling that pretensioner to prevent accidental deployment.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • The airbag or supplemental restraint system warning light stays illuminated on the dashboard.
  • A chime or message may appear instructing you to service the restraint system immediately.
  • The third row right seat belt may not retract or lock as it should during a sudden stop.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, because the fault is electrical and does not affect normal driving.
  • In some vehicles, the restraint system may disable other airbags or pretensioners as a fail-safe.
  • If the fault is intermittent, the light may turn on and off over bumps or when the seat is moved.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the third row right pretensioner.
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring in the harness running to the third row seat, often from seat movement or cargo loading.
  3. A failed pretensioner squib or internal short in the deployment circuit.
  4. Water intrusion or corrosion in the connector or wiring due to a leak in the third row area.
  5. A faulty restraint control module that is misreading the circuit resistance.
  6. Aftermarket accessories or previous repairs that tapped into the restraint wiring incorrectly.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the third row right seat belt pretensioner connector for looseness, corrosion, or damage, and reseat it firmly.
  2. Check the wiring harness along the path to the third row seat for chafing, pinches, or breaks, especially where the seat folds or moves.
  3. Measure the resistance of the pretensioner circuit with a digital multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specification.
  4. If the resistance is out of range, disconnect the pretensioner and measure the squib resistance directly to isolate the fault.
  5. Perform a wiggle test on the harness and connectors while watching live data to catch intermittent faults.
  6. If wiring and connectors are good, substitute a known-good pretensioner or use a simulator to see if the code clears.
  7. Clear the code and verify the repair by cycling the ignition and confirming the warning light stays off.

What most technicians overlook on B00E1

  • A common mistake is replacing the pretensioner when the real problem is a corroded connector or a chafed wire under the third row seat.
  • The code can be set by a low battery or voltage spike during jump-starting, so always check battery health and charging system first.
  • After any repair, the restraint control module may need a learn or reset procedure, and some vehicles require a scan tool to clear the crash data.
  • Seat belt pretensioners are pyrotechnic devices; never probe the circuit with a powered test light or apply voltage directly, as this can cause deployment.
  • Intermittent B00E1 codes often appear after the third row seat has been folded or removed, indicating a harness routing issue rather than a failed part.

Can I keep driving with B00E1?

You can usually drive the vehicle, but the third row right seat belt pretensioner will not deploy in a crash, reducing occupant protection. Avoid carrying passengers in that seat until the fault is repaired, and have the system diagnosed 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