Code
B129B
Generic
B — Body
Passenger Presence Sensor Circuit Fault
Views:
UK: 4
EN: 9
RU: 4
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or disconnected passenger presence mat/sensor
- Corroded, loose, or damaged wiring or connector (open/short/intermittent)
- Water intrusion or contamination in the seat cushion/mat
- Faulty occupant detection module or SRS control unit
- Aftermarket seat cover, seat heater, or modification affecting sensor readings
- Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor
Symptoms
- SRS / airbag warning light illuminated
- Passenger airbag may be disabled when seat is occupied or enabled when empty
- Incorrect passenger presence indicator or seatbelt reminder behavior
- Occupant detection status shows invalid or fluctuating values in scan tool
- Possible chime/warning related to passenger seat
What to check
- Read and record stored DTCs and freeze-frame data with a compatible scan tool
- Follow SRS safety procedures: disable battery and wait specified time before disconnecting components
- Visually inspect seat bottom, connectors, and harness for damage, corrosion, or moisture
- Wiggle test wiring and connectors while observing live sensor data for intermittent faults
- Inspect for aftermarket seat covers, cushions, or heaters that may affect sensor
- Check for separate related codes in airbag/occupant classification modules
Signal parameters
- Supply/reference voltage (vehicle dependent): typically 5 V or 12 V reference to sensor circuit — must be stable
- Signal output: voltage change, resistance change, or CAN/lin message indicating occupancy state
- Resistance behavior: mat typically shows low resistance (kΩ range) when occupied and high resistance/infinite when empty — exact values vary by design
- Expected stable, non-noisy waveform or steady occupancy status on live-data; frequent drops or noise indicate wiring/sensor issues
- CAN/Module data: Occupancy state codes (0 = empty, 1 = occupied, etc.) — verify consistent messaging
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify DTC B129B with a scan tool and note freeze-frame data and any pending codes. Check for related SRS codes.
- Review manufacturer-specific service information and TSBs for occupant classification/seat sensor procedures and known issues.
- Follow SRS safety procedures: turn ignition off, disconnect negative battery terminal, and wait manufacturer-specified time before accessing connectors.
- Visually inspect the passenger seat cushion, sensor mat, connectors, and harness for physical damage, water, corrosion, or signs of repair or aftermarket items.
- Reconnect battery (if disconnected for checks) and with a scan tool monitor live occupant sensor data. Perform a wiggle test on seat harness and connectors to identify intermittent changes.
- Measure reference voltage and ground at the occupant sensor connector with key on (per vehicle procedure). Verify proper supply and ground continuity back to module.
- Measure signal output or resistance across sensor mat pads per service manual. Compare to expected ranges or observe a clear change when a known weight is placed on the seat.
- If wiring or connector fault suspected, perform connector pin backprobe checks and continuity tests to module; repair any damaged wiring or corroded terminals.
- If moisture/contamination is found, dry/clean or replace the sensor mat as required. Replace seat covers that interfere with sensor operation.
- If sensor mat and wiring test good but fault persists, consider replacing the occupant detection module or SRS control module per manufacturer guidance and reprogram/calibrate as required.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform occupant classification calibration or system learning (if required), and retest for correct function under different occupant conditions.
Likely causes
- Connector corrosion or pin damage at the seat sensor harness
- Open or shorted signal wire between sensor mat and module
- Sensor mat failure (broken traces or internal short due to moisture)
- Seat heater harness interference or short affecting sensor circuit
- Faulty occupant classification module or SRS control wiring
Fault status
Status
Passenger Presence Sensor Circuit Fault — the occupant detection circuit is reporting an open/short/erratic signal; system may disable or misclassify passenger airbag until fault is resolved.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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