Airbags

B00E1 — Third Row Right Seatbelt Pretensioner 'B' Deployment Control Fault

Severity: high Drive with care, to a shop

What B00E1 means

The airbag (SRS) control module tests its squib and pretensioner circuits every time the car starts, including the pretensioner for the right third row seat. B00E1 means the module detected a problem in the pretensioner 'B' deployment control circuit, such as an open, a short, out-of-range resistance or a faulty pretensioner. While the fault is active, that pretensioner may not fire in a crash.

Symptoms

  • Airbag/SRS warning light on or flashing
  • Seatbelt warning for the third row right seat
  • Code stored in the SRS (or BCM) module
  • Possible additional SRS circuit codes

Possible causes

  1. Faulty third row right seatbelt pretensioner
  2. Open or shorted wiring to the pretensioner
  3. Poor connector contact or corrosion
  4. Wiring pinched or damaged behind trim after cargo or prior repairs
  5. Failed SRS control module (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan the SRS module and record all codes and freeze frame data
  2. Inspect the seatbelt, pretensioner and connector in the third row for water, damage or a loose fit
  3. Check whether trim or seats were recently removed and whether the harness is pinched
  4. Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer's specified time before touching SRS parts
  5. Inspect connectors for corrosion, bent pins and a weak lock
  6. Measure circuit resistance per the factory diagram, never applying power to a pretensioner
  7. Test the harness for opens and shorts to ground or voltage
  8. Clear the code and confirm it does not return

Common fixes

  • Clean and securely seat the pretensioner and SRS module connectors
  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring section
  • Replace the third row right seatbelt pretensioner
  • Replace the SRS module if the fault is confirmed there
  • Clear codes and confirm the SRS light goes out

Questions and answers

What does B00E1 mean?

The SRS module found a fault in the control circuit of the 'B' pretensioner for the right third row seatbelt. The cause may be the pretensioner, its wiring or a connector.

Can I drive with B00E1?

The car will drive normally, but the restraint may not work in a crash. Have it checked soon and keep that seat empty until it is repaired.

Can I just clear the code?

Clearing helps only if the cause was temporary, like a loose connector after work. If the fault is real, the code will return and the protection stays disabled.

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.