B10E3

Code

Generic B — Body

Front passenger occupant classification sensor circuit fault

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 4 EN: 9 RU: 7

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Page language: EN

Causes

Damaged or disconnected wiring harness/connectors at passenger seat sensor
Corroded or pushed-out connector pins
Moisture ingress or contamination of the sensor pad
Failed occupant classification sensor (pressure/weight sensor mat)
Faulty SRS/airbag control module (ECU)
Aftermarket seat or seat cover interfering with sensor operation

Symptoms

SRS / airbag warning light illuminated on dash
Passenger airbag incorrectly disabled or not enabled
Seat belt reminder / passenger detection message displayed
Inability to complete occupant classification recalibration
Intermittent faults that change with seat position or passenger movement

What to check

Read freeze frame and related SRS codes with an advanced scan tool
Verify whether passenger airbag is enabled/disabled in vehicle settings
Visually inspect passenger seat, connectors, and wiring for damage
Check for moisture, contamination, or foreign objects under the seat
Perform wiggle test of harness and connector while watching live data
Verify battery voltage and SRS module power/ground circuits before testing

Signal parameters

Reference supply to sensor: typically 5 V (verify specific vehicle service data)
Ground continuity: near 0 ohms between sensor ground and chassis ground
Sensor signal output: analog/variable voltage that changes with load (commonly ~0.5–4.5 V under different loads) — compare to service limits
Sensor mat resistance: should not be open/infinite or shorted to ground (check service manual for exact ohm values)
No high-voltage present on SRS circuits; communication may be via dedicated SRS bus on some vehicles

Diagnostic algorithm

Safety: Disable battery negative terminal and wait manufacturer-specified time (generally several minutes) before working on SRS circuits.
Scan: Use a capable SRS scan tool to read B10E3 and any related codes, view freeze frame and live data for the occupant classification sensor.
Reproduce/Monitor: With scan tool monitoring the sensor channel, perform a wiggle test of the seat harness and move the seat fore/aft to look for intermittent changes.
Visual: Inspect connectors and harness under the passenger seat for pin corrosion, bent pins, chafing, or broken wires; check for signs of liquid contamination.
Connector: Disconnect and inspect the sensor connector; clean and reseat. Repair damaged pins or terminals as required.
Electrical checks: With battery reconnected and following safety protocols, backprobe connector to measure reference voltage, ground continuity, and sensor signal voltage relative to the service manual specs.
Resistance test: With battery removed or circuit isolated, measure resistance of sensor mat per service procedure to detect open or shorted elements.
Harness continuity: Check continuity between sensor connector and SRS ECU for open or high-resistance circuits; inspect splice joints and grounds.
Repair: Repair wiring, corrosion, or replace connector/sensor mat as indicated. Avoid using high-resistance jumpers on safety circuits.
Calibration and verify: After repair or replacement, clear codes, perform required occupant classification recalibration/programming with OEM scan tool, then verify proper operation and that the SRS light is extinguished.
If problem persists: Consider SRS control module fault and follow manufacturer diagnostic flow for module testing or replacement.