B2296

Code

Generic B — Body

Front passenger occupant classification sensor circuit malfunction

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 13 EN: 16 RU: 13

AI status

Completed

ready

Completed 100%

Page language: EN

Causes

Open, short or damaged wiring in the passenger seat sensor circuit
Loose, corroded or disconnected connector(s) under the passenger seat
Faulty occupant classification sensor (sensor mat/module) in the seat
Faulty Occupant Classification ECU / Airbag ECU or internal fault
Foreign objects, water/moisture or damage to seat cushion/seat mat
Improper or non‑OEM seat cover, foam or aftermarket seat components interfering with sensors

Symptoms

SRS/Airbag warning light illuminated
Passenger airbag disabled or passenger airbag OFF indicator illuminated incorrectly
Warning message about passenger seat/occupant classification on the dash or infotainment
Inability to clear the code without repair
Intermittent behavior (indicator toggles with seat movement)

What to check

Retrieve stored codes and freeze frame with a diagnostic scan tool; note any related SRS codes
Visually inspect wiring and connectors under the passenger seat for damage, pin push‑out, corrosion or water
Perform a wiggle test while observing live data to see if movement changes sensor status or sets the code
Check for continuity and shorts on the suspect circuits with ignition off (disconnect battery per safety procedures first if required)
Measure reference voltage and signal voltages at the sensor connector with ignition on (follow vehicle service manual for specifics)
Inspect seat cover, foam and mat for signs of moisture, foreign objects or physical damage

Signal parameters

Sensor supply: typically a stable 5V reference from SRS/occupant classification ECU (verify against vehicle spec)
Sensor output: variable voltage or resistance that changes with load/occupant presence (should change smoothly when weight applied/removed)
Ground: low resistance to chassis ground from sensor ground pin
Expected: no intermittent spikes, no open circuit (infinite resistance) and no short to supply or ground (near 0Ω)
CAN/communication: Occupant classification data should be present on airbag bus; absence may indicate module or bus fault

Diagnostic algorithm

Read and record all SRS/occupant classification DTCs with a capable scan tool; note freeze frame and bus messages.
Follow all SRS safety procedures (battery disconnect if required by the vehicle repair manual) before disconnecting airbag/occupant classification connectors.
Visually inspect the passenger seat area: connectors, harness routing, clips, seat track, and signs of water or damage.
With connectors exposed, check for bent pins, corrosion, pushed‑out terminals and proper connector lock engagement.
With ignition ON (or per manual) measure reference voltage, signal output and ground at the sensor connector while observing live data on the scan tool; perform a wiggle test to reproduce the fault.
If an open/short is seen on the harness, trace and repair wiring (repair or replace damaged section, protect with grommets where it crosses seat tracks).
If wiring and connectors are good, test/replace the occupant classification sensor/mat per the service manual procedures.
If sensor replacement does not clear the fault, suspect occupant classification module or airbag ECU—verify communications and power to module; replace or reprogram as required.
After repair, clear codes and perform occupant classification system calibration/relearn using a scan tool per manufacturer procedure.
Recheck for code reappearance and verify passenger airbag enable/disable logic functions correctly with different occupant conditions.

Likely causes

Damaged harness routed under the seat caught on seat track
Connector pins bent, pushed out, or corroded at the sensor/module plug
Sensor mat element cracked or open from seat wear or previous impact
Seat cushion saturated with liquid causing short to ground
Occupant classification module internal failure
Improperly installed seat cover or cushion changing sensor response

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Front passenger occupant classification sensor circuit malfunction detected. The system may disable the passenger airbag or illuminate the SRS/airbag warning and passenger airbag indicators. Check wiring, connectors and sensor module; perform calibration after repair.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours