Airbags

B0061 — Driver Seat Belt Pretensioner Circuit Fault

Severity: high Drive with care, to a shop

What B0061 means

The SRS (airbag) control module continuously checks the resistance of the driver's seat belt pretensioner squib circuit. B0061 is stored when the reading is outside the allowed range, such as an open circuit or a short to ground or voltage. While the fault is active, the pretensioner may not fire in a crash, so the SRS warning light comes on.

Symptoms

  • SRS/airbag warning light on or flashing
  • Seat belt indicator stays on
  • Belt chime or lamp behavior doesn't match the belt state
  • Fault appeared after seat, belt, or interior work
  • Part of the restraint system may be disabled

Possible causes

  1. Corroded or damaged connector under the driver's seat
  2. Open or shorted wiring to the pretensioner
  3. Failed seat belt pretensioner
  4. Poor connector contact after seat or interior repair
  5. Faulty SRS module or water damage to it
  6. Belt installed or connected incorrectly after replacement

How to diagnose

  1. Scan with a tool that reads SRS codes and note any related codes
  2. Record and clear the code, then see if it returns right away or intermittently
  3. Inspect the pretensioner connector under the seat and at the pillar for corrosion, bent or pushed-out pins
  4. Ask whether the seat, belt, or trim was recently worked on
  5. Check the harness for chafing where the seat moves
  6. Test circuit resistance only using the factory procedure; never probe a squib with an ordinary multimeter
  7. Check the SRS module for moisture damage and communication errors

Common fixes

  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring and connector
  • Reseat and lock the pretensioner connector
  • Replace the seat belt and pretensioner assembly
  • Replace or reprogram the SRS module if confirmed faulty
  • Clear codes and confirm the SRS light stays off after repair

Questions and answers

What does B0061 mean?

The SRS module detected a fault in the driver's seat belt pretensioner circuit. The cause may be the connector, wiring, or the pretensioner itself.

Can I test the pretensioner circuit myself?

No. The squib can be triggered by current from an ordinary tester. SRS work should follow factory procedure with the battery disconnected, ideally at a shop.

Can I just clear the code?

You can, but if the cause remains the code will return. Driver protection in a crash may stay compromised.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.