Airbags

B00E5 — Second Row Center Seatbelt Pretensioner "C" Deployment Control Circuit Fault

Severity: medium Safe to drive

What B00E5 means

The restraint control module (SRS) continuously tests the electrical circuits of squibs, including seatbelt pretensioners. B00E5 means it found a subfault in the deployment control circuit for pretensioner "C" on the second row center belt: an open, short or abnormal resistance. The module may then disable that pretensioner.

Symptoms

  • SRS or airbag warning light is on
  • Scan tool shows a circuit fault for pretensioner C of the rear center belt
  • Pretensioner for this belt may not work in a crash
  • Code returns after being cleared

Possible causes

  1. Faulty second row center seatbelt pretensioner C
  2. Open or short in the pretensioner wiring harness
  3. Corroded or loose connector at the buckle or SRS module
  4. Wiring damaged under the rear seat from cargo, seat removal or previous repairs
  5. SRS module fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all modules with an SRS-capable tool, record the data, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Inspect the pretensioner connector and wiring under the rear seat for damage, water or corrosion
  3. Make sure SRS connectors are fully seated and their locks are intact
  4. Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer's specified time before any testing to avoid accidental deployment
  5. Test circuit continuity and resistance per the wiring diagram, ruling out shorts to ground and to power
  6. Test the squib only with the approved method; never connect an ordinary ohmmeter or test light directly to a pretensioner
  7. Compare with a known good pretensioner and check for SRS module software updates

Common fixes

  • Repair damaged wiring or replace the corroded or damaged connector
  • Replace the second row center pretensioner C assembly
  • Reprogram or replace the SRS module if it is confirmed faulty
  • Clear codes after repair and confirm the SRS light goes out

Questions and answers

Can I drive with code B00E5?

Yes, the car remains drivable. However, the center rear belt may not be pretensioned in a crash, so have it repaired soon.

Can I fix B00E5 myself?

You can visually check connectors and wiring under the seat. Work on squibs and SRS circuit testing is best left to a professional because of the risk of accidental deployment.

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.