Airbags

B00C0 — Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor A Fault (Subfault)

Severity: medium Safe to drive

What B00C0 means

The airbag (SRS) control module uses the occupant classification sensor in the front passenger seat to tell whether someone is sitting there and roughly how heavy they are. That decides whether the passenger airbag is enabled and how it deploys. B00C0 means the signal from sensor A is missing, erratic or out of range, so the module cannot reliably classify the occupant.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) warning light is on
  • Passenger airbag on/off indicator shows the wrong status
  • Passenger airbag may not deploy, or deploy incorrectly
  • Indicator behavior changes depending on who sits in the seat

Possible causes

  1. Failed occupant classification sensor A (most likely)
  2. Open or shorted wiring to the sensor
  3. Poor contact or corrosion in the connector under the seat
  4. Wiring damaged during seat removal or interior work
  5. Faulty airbag control module (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all modules with an SRS-capable tool and note the freeze frame data
  2. Inspect the seat for damage and make sure no objects, loaded covers or accessories are affecting it
  3. Check the connectors and harness under the seat for damage, corrosion and a secure fit
  4. Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer's specified time before touching SRS connectors
  5. Test sensor resistance and circuit continuity using the factory wiring diagram
  6. Check power and ground at the sensor connector
  7. Clear the code and see if it returns
  8. Perform the occupant system calibration or reset procedure if required

Common fixes

  • Replace occupant classification sensor A or the seat sensor assembly
  • Repair damaged wiring or replace the connector
  • Clean the terminals and secure the connectors
  • Replace the airbag control module if confirmed faulty
  • Calibrate the system and clear the code after repair

Questions and answers

Can I drive with code B00C0?

Yes, the car drives normally. The passenger airbag may not work correctly, so have it repaired as soon as you can.

Why is my airbag light on?

The airbag module is not getting a valid signal from the passenger occupant sensor, so it reports a safety system fault.

Can I replace the sensor myself?

SRS work carries a risk of accidental airbag deployment. A professional should do the replacement, and the system will need calibration afterward.

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.