Airbags

B00C3 — Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor D Subfault

Severity: medium Safe to drive

What B00C3 means

The occupant classification system (OCS) detects whether the front passenger seat is empty or holds an adult or a child. The airbag control module uses this to decide whether and how to deploy the passenger airbag. B00C3 means the module saw a subfault in sensor D of this system, such as an implausible, out-of-range or unstable signal.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) warning light is on
  • Passenger airbag off indicator shows the wrong status
  • Indicator may show off for an adult or on for an empty seat
  • Scan tool reports B00C3 in the SRS or OCS module

Possible causes

  1. Failed occupant classification sensor D
  2. Damaged wiring or poor connection at the connector under the seat
  3. Corrosion or open circuit from moisture or a spilled liquid
  4. Occupant classification calibration lost after seat work or replacement
  5. Bent or deformed seat structure or an object pressing on the sensor

How to diagnose

  1. Read all SRS and OCS codes, note the freeze frame data, then clear the code and see whether it returns
  2. Make sure nothing is on the seat, such as aftermarket covers or heaters, and that the seat frame is not deformed
  3. Inspect the connectors and harness under the passenger seat for damage, moisture and corrosion
  4. Disconnect the battery and wait the time the manufacturer specifies before unplugging any SRS connector
  5. Test the sensor circuit for opens, shorts and resistance using the factory wiring diagram
  6. View OCS live data on a scan tool with the seat empty and occupied
  7. Run the OCS calibration or zeroing procedure with a factory-level scan tool

Common fixes

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and the connector
  • Replace sensor D or the occupant classification module
  • Recalibrate the OCS with an OEM-level scan tool
  • Replace or correct the seat if it is deformed

Questions and answers

What does B00C3 mean?

It is a subfault in occupant classification sensor D on the passenger seat. The airbag module gets a questionable signal and may misjudge who is sitting there.

Can I just clear the B00C3 code myself?

A scan tool with SRS support can clear it, but it will return if the cause remains. Disconnect the battery before touching connectors under the seat.

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.