Airbags

B00C1 — Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor B Fault (Subfault)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What B00C1 means

The SRS control module monitors the occupant classification system in the front passenger seat and uses it to decide whether the passenger airbag should be enabled and how it should deploy. B00C1 means the signal from sensor B is out of range, erratic or missing. The module can no longer reliably tell who or what is sitting in the seat.

Symptoms

  • SRS or airbag warning light is on
  • Passenger airbag OFF indicator is lit or flashing incorrectly
  • System cannot tell whether the seat is occupied
  • Intermittent occupant detection
  • Airbag disabled even though an adult is seated

Possible causes

  1. Failed occupant classification sensor in the passenger seat
  2. Damaged, open or shorted wiring and connectors under the seat
  3. Poor ground or loose connection at the sensor
  4. Corroded connector from moisture or a spilled drink
  5. Calibration not performed after seat removal, service or replacement
  6. Mechanical interference such as objects under the seat or a pinched sensor

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all SRS codes with an airbag-capable scan tool and record freeze frame data
  2. Inspect the seat for foreign objects, aftermarket covers with wiring and signs of moisture
  3. Check the connectors and harness under the seat for damage, corrosion and secure latching
  4. View live occupant sensor data with an empty seat and with a known weight
  5. Test the sensor circuit, power and ground following the manufacturer wiring diagram
  6. Confirm the seat is assembled correctly and the sensor is not pinched by a fastener
  7. Clear the code and retest; if it returns, suspect the sensor itself

Common fixes

  • Replace the occupant classification sensor or the seat assembly if the manufacturer requires it
  • Repair the harness: fix opens, shorts and corrosion or replace the connector
  • Perform the manufacturer's occupant classification calibration or zeroing procedure
  • Clean and secure connections and the ground

Questions and answers

Can I drive with code B00C1?

The engine and brakes are not affected, so you can drive. However, the passenger airbag may behave incorrectly, so keep children out of the front seat and do not delay the repair.

Why did B00C1 appear after seat work?

The sensor is very sensitive to mounting, tension and the position of parts. After a seat is removed, it usually needs calibration and a check of the connector underneath.

Can I just clear the code?

Clearing it may turn off the light for a while. If the cause is not fixed, the module will set the code again and the protection stays unreliable.

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.