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DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B00E4

B00E4Second Row Right Seat Belt Pretensioner C Deployment Control

B00E4 indicates that the restraint control module has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the second row right seat belt pretensioner, which is the device that tightens the belt during a collision. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity, and it sets this code when the electrical path falls outside the expected range or when a deployment command cannot be verified.

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 immediately.
  • The seat belt for the second row right seating position may not retract or lock as designed.
  • In some vehicles, other restraint functions such as seat belt reminders or passenger sensing may be disabled.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, because the pretensioner only activates during a crash.
  • The airbag system may be partially disabled, depending on how the module strategies the fault.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the pretensioner under the second row right seat.
  2. Corroded or bent terminals in the pretensioner harness connector or at the restraint control module.
  3. A broken or chafed wire in the pretensioner circuit, often where the harness flexes near the seat track.
  4. An open or shorted pretensioner squib, which is the pyrotechnic element that deploys the belt tensioner.
  5. A faulty restraint control module that incorrectly reports the circuit fault.
  6. Water intrusion or debris in the connector causing intermittent resistance changes.
  7. Aftermarket accessories or seat repairs that disturbed the pretensioner wiring.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the pretensioner connector under the second row right seat for looseness, corrosion, or damage, and reseat it firmly.
  2. Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time, then check the pretensioner circuit resistance with a digital multimeter and compare to specification.
  3. Trace the harness from the pretensioner to the restraint control module, looking for chafed, pinched, or broken wires, and repair as needed.
  4. Substitute a known-good pretensioner or a simulator tool to determine whether the fault follows the pretensioner or the wiring.
  5. Check for technical service bulletins or software updates for the restraint control module that address false pretensioner codes.
  6. If the circuit and pretensioner test good, diagnose or replace the restraint control module according to the manufacturer's procedure.
  7. After repair, clear the code and verify that it does not return, and confirm that the SRS warning light operates correctly.

What the SRS light is really telling you

  • A common mistake is replacing the pretensioner when the real problem is a corroded connector or a chafed wire under the seat, so always inspect the circuit before condemning the part.
  • The code can be set by a momentary open circuit caused by sliding the seat fully forward or backward, which stresses the harness, so check for intermittent faults by wiggling the harness while monitoring resistance.
  • Some vehicles require the restraint control module to be configured or programmed after replacement, and a used module may not work without proper setup.
  • B00E4 does not always mean the pretensioner is defective; it can be a communication or power supply issue affecting the module's ability to test the circuit.
  • Never use a standard ohmmeter on an undeployed pretensioner without following the manufacturer's safety procedure, because the meter's voltage could theoretically trigger deployment.

Can I keep driving with B00E4?

You can usually drive the vehicle, but the second row right seat belt pretensioner may not deploy in a crash, reducing occupant protection. Avoid carrying passengers in that seating position 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.

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