What Codes Will This Page Cover?
On this page, you’ll learn more about the following diagnostic trouble codes:
- B0080 Driver Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0081 First Row Center Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0082 Passenger Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0083 Second Row Left Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0084 Second Row Center Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0085 Second Row Right Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0086 Third Row Left Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0087 Third Row Center Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
- B0088 Third Row Right Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)
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What Is the B0081 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
All of these OBD-II trouble codes have to do with your “Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control,” with different codes having to do with different components of this system. These codes indicate that your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has detected a problem related to the passenger presence system (PPS). As a generic powertrain code, you may find these codes in all kinds of OBD-II-equipped vehicles. Certain vehicles, like the Chevrolet Volt, Yukon Denali, GMC Sierra, Yukon XL, and Chevrolet Avalanche, may report these problems more frequently.
More About the B0081 Code
Modern vehicles have supplemental restraint systems (SRS) that are programmed only to send the passenger airbag out if they identify that an adult-size person occupies the seat. Most modern vehicles utilize some kind of seatbelt tightening or loosening component to help reduce injuries during an accident, as when the occupant is suddenly stopped by the seatbelt, the motion of mass and force of the seatbelt can cause additional injuries. The tightening or loosening motion can reduce this effect. This trouble code indicates that the seatbelt load limiter, which is responsible for this loosening or tightening, is not functioning properly.
What Are the Symptoms of a B0081 Code?
The most common issue related to these OBD-II trouble codes is just that your vehicle’s SRS will be disabled and the red SRS light will illuminate. Other warning lights will often turn on as well, which may include a specific light having to do with the passenger airbag or passenger side airbags. Outside of this, you may also see SRS performance issues, such as the front seat passenger airbag not coming on at all, even when the passenger presence pad should rightly recognize a passenger. Contrary to many other codes, you are unlikely to see the check engine light turn on, as this light is usually reserved for vehicle emissions issues.
What Are Some Causes of a B0081 Code?
The most common causes of these OBD-II trouble codes have to do with a faulty passenger presence sensor. If there’s a fault in passenger presence modules or sensors, it can cause error codes associated with a passenger presence malfunction. Wiring issues also tend to cause the airbag light on the passenger side. You should also definitely check for history codes associated with other faults, including faults that can cause the airbag light to turn on. This is a notable symptom code, so much work may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
How Serious Is the B0081 Code?
Most people will consider these OBD-II trouble codes fairly serious because of how dangerous airbag codes might be in case of a collision. Airbag deployment is an important part of surviving even very severe crashes. If your airbag sensors aren’t functioning properly for some reason, it can make it more likely that a passenger gets injured if you’re in a crash. Although this only has to do with your vehicle body and is usually a voluntary repair, it’s best to get it fixed for safety reasons.
Can I Still Drive with a B0081 Code?
Most people will consider these OBD-II trouble codes fairly serious because of how dangerous airbag codes might be in case of a collision. Airbag deployment is an important part of surviving even very severe crashes. If your airbag sensors aren’t functioning properly for some reason, it can make it more likely that a passenger gets injured if you’re in a crash. Although this only has to do with your vehicle body and is usually a voluntary repair, it’s best to get it fixed for safety reasons.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a B0081 Code?
Diagnosing these OBD-II trouble codes can be quite complex. You may need to look into technical service bulletins, previous recalls, information from your diagnostic module, and more. Plus, while it’s a fairly common malfunction in certain cars, diagnosis may require you to perform a visual inspection to check for loose connections, proper power, voltage circuit issues, and more. If you don’t have this kind of experience, it’s usually best to talk to an expert.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a B0081 Code?
Inspection for these OBD-II trouble codes can be difficult, as inspecting this type of circuit defect may require you to check connections below the seat, which can be an uncommon point of issue for many. It’s also extremely common for these codes to be bundled together in specific ways — for example, you may see B0074 & B0081 together, which can indicate specific issues related to your passenger airbags. If you don’t have enough knowledge to understand how an internal fault can showcase itself through multiple generic faults, it’s generally best to go to an expert who can help with OBD-II trouble codes.
Need Additional Help with Your B0081 Code?
While a common complaint in some vehicles, problems with the B0080, B0081, B0082, B0083, B0084, B0085, B0086, B0087, and B0087 OBD-II trouble codes can need an expert’s assistance. Whether you are still under the manufacturing warranty or not, you can get assistance with these codes.
To start, you’ll want to find an auto repair shop in your area. A local repair shop is a great starting point for your journey, as it won’t require you to go too far out of your way.
It may also be a good idea to look at the OBD-II database at KBB.com. This database is a great starting point so you can learn more about other OBD-II trouble codes.
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