Code
B00C4
Generic
B — Body
Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor E
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open, short, or high-resistance circuit in sensor E wiring or connector
- Corroded or loose connector pins at the seat mat or classification module
- Physical damage to the occupant classification mat or sensing element (sensor E)
- Water/moisture intrusion in the seat cushion or connector
- Aftermarket seat cover or seat repair interfering with the sensor
- Faulty occupant classification control module or internal electronics
Symptoms
- SRS/airbag warning lamp ON
- Passenger airbag status indicator/Adaptive airbag disabled or showing 'unavailable'
- Incorrect passenger-present/absent indication in vehicle data
- Possible restraint system faults stored in SRS module
- Intermittent or inconsistent occupant detection (changes with seat movement)
What to check
- Scan vehicle for all SRS/occupant classification DTCs and note freeze-frame/live-data
- Visually inspect passenger seat, seat cushion, and seat cover for damage or moisture
- Inspect connectors and wiring under the passenger seat for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
- Check for aftermarket seat covers or repairs that may alter sensor operation
- Observe live-data occupant classification channels while performing a wiggle test on the harness and connectors
- Verify module power and ground circuits before probing sensor signals
Signal parameters
- Sensor output is typically an analog/capacitive-derived signal reported to the occupant classification module (values and units are manufacturer-specific)
- Typical expected behaviour: stable idle signal when seat is empty, a different stable level when occupied; rapid changes indicate faults
- Open-circuit may show near-0 V or no continuity on the sensor line; short-to-battery may show near-battery voltage
- Intermittent fluctuations or values outside the manufacturer's specified range indicate wiring, connector, or sensor faults
- Exact voltage/resistance ranges are manufacturer-specific — consult service data for threshold values for 'empty' vs 'occupied' and fault limits
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record all SRS/occupant classification DTCs and freeze-frame data with a professional scan tool.
- Review live-data for passenger occupant classification channels (sensor E) while cycling ignition and with different known loads (empty seat, a known weight). Note abnormal/erratic values.
- Visually inspect seat cushion, cover, connectors and wiring harness for damage, moisture, corrosion, or aftermarket interference. Remove seat trim if needed to access mat and connectors.
- With ignition ON (follow manufacturer SRS safety procedures), backprobe the connector and measure the sensor signal while observing live-data. Look for open, short-to-ground, or short-to-battery conditions and for intermittent changes when harness is moved.
- Turn ignition OFF and disconnect the battery per vehicle manufacturer recommended procedure before disconnecting seat connectors or removing the mat. Observe required SRS wait times.
- Check continuity and insulation between sensor E pins and the occupant classification module pins. Repair any open or shorted wiring and clean/replace corroded connectors.
- If wiring and connectors are good, follow service manual procedure to test the seat mat sensor element (resistance or capacitance test if specified). Replace the seat occupant classification mat if out of specification or physically damaged.
- After repairs, reconnect, clear codes, and perform any required occupant classification recalibration/initialization per manufacturer instructions. Verify the system reports normal status and that the SRS lamp extinguishes after a successful self-test.
- If fault persists after mat and wiring replacement and calibration, consider replacing the occupant classification control module per manufacturer diagnostic flow and verify with appropriate tooling.
Likely causes
- Damaged or worn seat mat sensing element for sensor E
- Connector corrosion or poor pin contact at the seat or module
- Open or shorted harness between the seat mat and occupant classification module
- Water/moisture damage in the seat cushion area
Fault status
Status
Passenger seat occupant classification sensor E circuit fault — signal out of range/open/short. SRS/airbag system may disable passenger airbag until repaired.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours
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