Airbags

B00E3 — Second Row Left Seatbelt Pretensioner C Deployment Control Circuit Fault

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What B00E3 means

The SRS (airbag) control module continuously monitors the electrical circuits of its pretensioners and airbag squibs. B00E3 means it found a problem in the deployment control circuit of seatbelt pretensioner C for the rear left seat, such as an open, a short or abnormal resistance. It is a subfault code, so a scan tool with SRS access is needed to narrow it down.

Symptoms

  • SRS or airbag warning light on
  • B00E3 stored in the SRS module
  • Possible restraint system warning message
  • Light may be steady or intermittent

Possible causes

  1. Faulty second row left seatbelt pretensioner C
  2. Open or shorted wiring to the pretensioner
  3. Poor contact or corrosion in the pretensioner connector
  4. Damaged or unseated connector under the seat or in the pillar after repairs or seat removal
  5. Faulty SRS control module (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all modules with an SRS-capable tool, note the subfaults, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Inspect the belt, buckle and pretensioner area for damage, water intrusion or pinched wiring
  3. Check the pretensioner connector and inline connectors for corrosion, bent pins or unlatched locks
  4. Disconnect the battery and wait the time specified by the manufacturer before unplugging any SRS connector
  5. Test circuit resistance and shorts to ground or voltage per the wiring diagram, never applying power to the pretensioner
  6. Replace the pretensioner only after the wiring checks out, then clear the code and confirm the light stays off

Common fixes

  • Replace second row left seatbelt pretensioner C
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring
  • Clean or replace the connector and restore good contact
  • Replace the SRS module if the circuit tests good and the fault persists

Questions and answers

What does B00E3 mean?

The SRS module detected a fault in the deployment control circuit of the rear left seatbelt pretensioner C. The wiring, connector and pretensioner all need to be checked.

Can I drive with the SRS light on?

Yes, it does not affect how the car runs. However the pretensioner and airbags may not work in a crash, so do not put off the repair.

Can I test the pretensioner circuit myself?

Only with the battery disconnected and proper precautions. Never apply voltage to the pretensioner or probe it with a test lamp, as it can deploy. A professional is the safer choice.

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.