Airbags

B00CB — Passenger Seat Occupant Position Sensor E Fault

Severity: medium Safe to drive

What B00CB means

The airbag (SRS) control module has detected a problem with occupant position sensor E in the front passenger seat. This sensor is part of the occupant classification system, which determines whether the seat is empty or holds an adult or child, so the airbag deploys appropriately or stays off. The exact location and design of sensor E varies by make and model.

Symptoms

  • Airbag/SRS warning light on
  • Passenger airbag off indicator shown with an adult seated (or the reverse)
  • Passenger airbag may be disabled incorrectly
  • B00CB stored in the SRS module when scanned

Possible causes

  1. Failed passenger seat occupant position sensor E
  2. Open or shorted wiring to the sensor
  3. Poor connection or corrosion at the connector under the seat
  4. Wiring damaged by seat movement or cleaning under the seat
  5. Airbag control module fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan with a tool that reads SRS codes, record all codes and freeze frame data, clear B00CB and see if it returns
  2. Make sure nothing odd is on the seat, such as heavy objects or seat covers with metal parts, and that nothing presses on the seat
  3. Disconnect the battery and wait the time the manufacturer specifies, then inspect the sensor connector under the seat for corrosion, bent pins or a loose fit
  4. Inspect the harness for chafing or pinching as the seat moves
  5. Test circuit continuity and resistance per the factory wiring diagram
  6. Watch sensor data on a scan tool with the seat loaded and empty
  7. If wiring checks out, replace the sensor and perform any required calibration
  8. Check the SRS module if the fault persists

Common fixes

  • Reseat and secure the sensor connector, and clean the terminals
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring
  • Replace sensor E and calibrate the occupant classification system
  • Replace or reprogram the SRS module after confirmed diagnosis

Questions and answers

Can I drive with B00CB?

Yes, the car will drive normally. But the airbag system may not work fully, so have it fixed as soon as you can.

Why is my passenger airbag off?

If the sensor gives bad data, the system may treat the seat as empty or occupied by a child and disable the airbag. This is a fail-safe behavior.

Can I fix B00CB myself?

You can look over the connector, but working on SRS parts carries a risk of accidental deployment. Sensor replacement is best left to a professional shop.

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.