Airbags

B00E4 — Second Row Right Seatbelt Pretensioner Deployment Control Circuit Fault

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What B00E4 means

B00E4 means the restraint control module (SRS) detected a problem in the circuit it uses to fire the second row right seatbelt pretensioner. Normally, in a hard crash the module sends current to the pretensioner's squib, which instantly pulls slack out of the belt. With a circuit fault the module cannot be sure the pretensioner will fire, so it stores the code. The exact subfault definition can vary by manufacturer.

Symptoms

  • Airbag or SRS warning light on
  • Restraint system fault message on the dash
  • B00E4 stored in the SRS module
  • Rear right belt pretensioner may not fire in a crash
  • Seatbelt indicator behaving oddly

Possible causes

  1. Open, shorted or damaged wiring in the pretensioner circuit
  2. Poor connection or corrosion at the connector under the rear seat or in the pillar
  3. Failed pretensioner (squib)
  4. Connector disturbed during interior work or seat removal
  5. SRS module fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all modules with a tool that reads SRS data and note the freeze frame
  2. Inspect the rear right pretensioner connector and nearby harness for damage, moisture and corrosion
  3. Ask about recent seat, trim or interior work and confirm connectors are fully seated
  4. Check circuit resistance per the manufacturer's specs, using only SRS-safe methods
  5. Check the harness from the SRS module to the pretensioner for opens and shorts to ground
  6. Substitute a known-good pretensioner or approved test load per the service manual, then clear the code
  7. If the code returns, test the SRS module

Common fixes

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  • Clean the contacts and secure the connector
  • Replace the rear right seatbelt pretensioner
  • Replace or reprogram the SRS module if confirmed faulty

Questions and answers

Can I drive with B00E4?

Yes, the car will drive normally. However, protection for the rear right passenger in a crash is not guaranteed, so get it fixed soon.

Can I test the pretensioner circuit with a multimeter?

Not safely. Test current can fire the squib. SRS work requires the battery disconnected and the manufacturer's procedure, so it is best left to a technician.

Why did B00E4 come back after clearing?

The fault is still present, usually a poor connection, damaged harness or a bad pretensioner. Clearing the code only turns the light off temporarily.

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.