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DTC codes / B00xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B00E5

B00E5Second Row Center Seat Belt Pretensioner C Deployment Control

B00E5 indicates that the restraint control module (RCM) has detected a fault in the deployment circuit for the second row center seat belt pretensioner. The module monitors the circuit's resistance and continuity, and when the readings fall outside the expected range, it stores this code and commands the airbag warning light on.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • The airbag or supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light stays illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the vehicle driving normally.
  • The seat belt pretensioner for the second row center seat may not deploy in a collision, increasing injury risk.
  • Other restraint system functions may be disabled or altered depending on the vehicle's safety strategy.
  • In some vehicles, a chime or message may appear reminding you to service the restraint system.
  • Intermittent warning light operation if the fault is a loose connection or chafed wire.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the second row center seat belt pretensioner.
  2. Corroded or bent terminals in the pretensioner circuit, often from moisture or spillage.
  3. A chafed, pinched, or broken wire in the harness running to the pretensioner, especially near seat tracks or folding mechanisms.
  4. An open or shorted pretensioner squib (the deployment element) inside the seat belt assembly.
  5. A faulty restraint control module (RCM) or body control module (BCM) that cannot properly monitor the circuit.
  6. Aftermarket accessories or previous repairs that disturbed the SRS wiring or connectors.
  7. Water intrusion or physical damage to the pretensioner assembly from cargo or passengers.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the second row center seat belt pretensioner connector for looseness, corrosion, or damage, and reseat it firmly.
  2. Check the wiring harness along the seat and floor for chafing, pinches, or breaks, repairing any damaged insulation or conductors.
  3. Measure the resistance of the pretensioner squib with a digital multimeter (DMM) and compare it to the manufacturer's specification, usually a low resistance value.
  4. Disconnect the battery and wait the recommended time, then substitute a known-good pretensioner or use a simulator to see if the code clears, confirming whether the fault is in the pretensioner or the wiring/module.
  5. Inspect the restraint control module connectors and grounds for tightness and corrosion, and verify power and ground supplies to the module.
  6. If the circuit and pretensioner test good, follow the manufacturer's diagnostic flow chart for B00E5, which may involve checking for codes in other modules or reprogramming the RCM.
  7. Clear the code and perform a road test to confirm the repair, ensuring the SRS light does not return.

Hidden causes of B00E5 you should not overlook

  • A common oversight is assuming the pretensioner itself is bad when the real problem is a corroded connector under the seat that gets wet from spilled drinks or a leaking sunroof drain.
  • The code can be set by a momentary loss of continuity during seat folding or cargo loading, so inspect the harness routing around moving parts before replacing any components.
  • Some vehicles require the battery to be disconnected and the system to be de-energized for several minutes before working on SRS components to avoid accidental deployment.
  • A weak or failing battery or charging system can cause spurious SRS codes, so verify battery voltage and connections before diving into the pretensioner circuit.
  • After any repair, the RCM may need to be reset or the code cleared with a scan tool capable of accessing the restraint system, as generic OBD-II tools often cannot clear B-codes.

Can I keep driving with B00E5?

Because this fault can prevent the second row center seat belt pretensioner from deploying in a crash, the vehicle should not be considered safe for carrying passengers in that seat until repaired. You may drive to a repair facility, but avoid collisions and have the system serviced 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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