A loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the third row center seat belt pretensioner.; Damaged or chafed wiring in the circuit between the restraint control module and the pretensioner.; An open or shorted squib (the small pyrotechnic charge) inside the pretensioner assembly.; Water intrusion or physical damage to the pretensioner or its connector from cargo or seat use.; A faulty restraint control module, though this is less common than wiring or connector issues.; Improperly performed prior repairs that left the circuit disconnected or damaged.

DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B00E2

B00E2Third Row Center Seat Belt Pretensioner B Deployment Control

B00E2 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the third row center seat belt pretensioner, designated 'B'. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity and sets this code when the readings fall outside the expected range, which can prevent that 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 instructing you to service the restraint system.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, because the fault is electrical and does not affect normal driving.
The third row center seat belt may not lock or retract as designed if the pretensioner is disabled.
In some vehicles, other restraint functions may be inhibited until the fault is repaired.

Common causes, most likely first

A loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the third row center seat belt pretensioner.
Damaged or chafed wiring in the circuit between the restraint control module and the pretensioner.
An open or shorted squib (the small pyrotechnic charge) inside the pretensioner assembly.
Water intrusion or physical damage to the pretensioner or its connector from cargo or seat use.
A faulty restraint control module, though this is less common than wiring or connector issues.
Improperly performed prior repairs that left the circuit disconnected or damaged.

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the third row center seat belt pretensioner connector for looseness, corrosion, or damage and reseat it firmly.
Check the wiring harness along its route for chafing, pinches, or breaks, especially near seat hinges and cargo areas.
Measure the resistance of the pretensioner squib with a digital multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specification.
Perform a continuity and short-to-ground test on the circuit between the restraint control module and the pretensioner.
If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good pretensioner or use a simulator to see if the code clears, confirming whether the module or the pretensioner is at fault.
Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors, then clear the code and verify the SRS light goes out.
If all else fails, replace the restraint control module and perform any required programming or calibration.

What most technicians miss on B00E2

A common oversight is assuming the pretensioner itself is bad when the real problem is a corroded connector under the third row seat that sees little attention during routine service.
The code can be set by a momentary open circuit caused by a loose connector that only acts up when the seat is folded or cargo shifts, so wiggle tests are essential.
Some vehicles require the battery to be disconnected and a specific wait time before working on SRS circuits to avoid accidental deployment, a step often skipped by DIYers.
B00E2 does not always mean the pretensioner is disabled; in some systems it may still deploy, but the module cannot guarantee proper timing, so repair should not be delayed.
After repairs, some manufacturers require a scan tool to clear the crash data or perform a learned reset, otherwise the light stays on even with a perfect circuit.

Can I keep driving with B00E2?

You can generally drive the vehicle, but the third row center pretensioner may not function 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

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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.