Code
B113C
Generic
B — Body
Passenger presence sensor circuit short to ground
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or chafed wiring harness shorting to vehicle ground
- Corroded, loose, or contaminated connector at the passenger presence sensor or module
- Faulty passenger presence sensor mat (resistive or pressure sensor) with internal short
- Incorrectly routed or pinched wires after seat service or modification
- Seat module or SRS control unit internal fault
- Water or foreign debris intrusion into the sensor area or connector
Symptoms
- SRS / airbag warning lamp illuminated on instrument cluster
- Passenger airbag may be incorrectly disabled or enabled
- Occupant detection status incorrect in scan tool live data
- Possible seatbelt reminder or chime related to passenger detection
- Diagnostic trouble code B113C stored in SRS/occupant classification module
What to check
- Retrieve codes and freeze-frame with an OBD-II/SRS-capable scan tool; record related codes
- Visually inspect passenger seat area, connectors, and harness routing for damage, corrosion, or water
- Backprobe the sensor connector and observe live data while key on; note abnormal voltage or steady 0V
- Disconnect passenger presence sensor and note code reaction (consult OEM procedure first)
- Perform continuity and short-to-ground checks on suspect circuit wires with a digital multimeter
- Wiggle test the seat harness and connectors while monitoring live data for intermittent faults
Signal parameters
- Typical signal line behavior: should vary within a low-voltage range (consult OEM) rather than read 0V steady; a short to ground will approximate 0V
- With ignition ON and sensor connected, expect a sensor supply voltage from the SRS module (commonly a low-voltage reference); a short to ground will pull that reference toward 0V
- Open circuit will show very high resistance (near infinite) between signal and module; short to ground will show very low resistance (< a few ohms) between signal and chassis ground
- Exact voltages/resistances are vehicle and sensor-specific—refer to OEM specification for definitive values before replacing components
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record DTC(s) and live data from the SRS/occupant classification module. Note any related codes.
- Review service history for seat work or modifications. Visually inspect connectors, carpet, and seat frame for damage or contamination.
- With ignition OFF, disconnect battery per SRS safety procedure and wait the manufacturer-specified time before handling SRS components.
- Visually inspect the passenger presence sensor mat and connector. Unplug and inspect pins for corrosion, bent pins, or foreign material.
- With battery reconnected and key ON (follow safety cautions), backprobe the sensor connector. Measure voltage on supply and signal pins; look for ~0V (indicates short to ground) or abnormal readings.
- Using a multimeter, check continuity between the signal/supply wires and chassis ground. A near-zero resistance indicates a short to ground.
- If a short is present, isolate by disconnecting sections of the harness (unplug seat module, unplug connectors in-line) and retest to localize the short.
- Wiggle the harness and seat while monitoring live data to catch intermittent shorts from chafing or movement.
- If wiring and connectors test OK, swap or bench-test the passenger presence sensor mat (if serviceable) or replace with a known-good sensor per OEM guidance.
- After repair, clear codes and verify correct occupant detection operation with an appropriate scan tool and functional test. Confirm SRS lamp is extinguished and no related codes return.
Likely causes
- Connector at the seat occupation sensor has corrosion or bent pins, causing a grounded pin
- Wiring insulation worn where harness contacts seat frame or chassis, creating a ground short
- Sensor mat has internal short from physical damage, moisture, or manufacturing failure
- Aftermarket seat heating, audio, or electrical work introduced a splice that grounded the sensor circuit
- Faulty seat control module or occupant classification module reporting a ground on the input
Fault status
Status
Passenger presence sensor circuit indicates a short to chassis ground; occupant classification input is not providing valid readings.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-3.0 hours
Repair manuals
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