What Does B00E1 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) or Restraint Control Module (RCM) has detected a fault in the deployment control circuit for the secondary seatbelt pretensioner on the right side of the third row seating position. The 'subfault' designation means there is an internal circuit issue, open circuit, short circuit, or resistance problem in the pretensioner deployment wiring or connector that prevents proper deployment command signal transmission. This affects the supplemental restraint system's ability to activate this specific pretensioner during a collision event.
Safety Warning
This is a critical safety system fault that compromises occupant protection in the third row right seating position during a collision. The vehicle should not be driven with passengers in this seat position until repaired, as the seatbelt pretensioner will not function during a crash event, significantly increasing injury risk.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or corroded wiring harness and connector at the seatbelt pretensioner due to moisture intrusion, physical damage from cargo, or connector oxidation in third row area
35%
Faulty seatbelt pretensioner 'B' unit with internal circuit failure or squib resistance out of specification
12%
Restraint Control Module internal driver circuit failure for this specific pretensioner channel
8%
Damaged clockspring or routing harness between control module and third row pretensioner due to improper seat folding/unfolding or repair work
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of third row right seatbelt pretensioner connector and wiring harness for physical damage, corrosion, moisture, pinched wires, or disconnected terminals. Check for proper connector seating and locking mechanism engagement.
2
Step 2: With ignition OFF and negative battery disconnected for 10+ minutes, measure resistance across pretensioner 'B' squib terminals (typically 2-3 ohms spec). Compare to manufacturer specification and check for open circuit (infinite resistance) or short to ground (near zero resistance).
3
Step 3: Disconnect pretensioner connector and measure continuity and resistance from control module connector to pretensioner harness side connector on both deployment circuit wires. Verify no shorts to ground, shorts to power, or opens in harness (should read less than 5 ohms end-to-end).
4
Step 4: Using scan tool, monitor restraint system live data for pretensioner circuit resistance values and compare all pretensioner channels. Check for stored crash data or deployment flags that may indicate previous impact or inadvertent deployment attempt.
5
Step 5: If all wiring and pretensioner resistance checks pass specification, suspect Restraint Control Module internal driver fault. Verify proper module ground connections and power supply voltages before condemning module.
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes, perform restraint system initialization procedure per manufacturer specifications, and verify code does not return. Perform final system self-test to confirm all restraint circuits operational.
Estimated Repair Cost
$300 - $1,500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) or Restraint Control Module (RCM) has detected a fault in the deployment control circuit for the secondary seatbelt pretensioner on the right side of the third row seating position. The 'subfault' designation means there is an internal circuit issue,...
The most common cause of B00E1 (Third Row Right Seatbelt Pretensioner "B" Deployment Control (Subfault)) is: Damaged or corroded wiring harness and connector at the seatbelt pretensioner due to moisture intrusion, physical damage from cargo, or connector oxidation in third row area
Typical repair costs for B00E1 range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
This is a critical safety system fault that compromises occupant protection in the third row right seating position during a collision. The vehicle should not be driven with passengers in this seat position until repaired, as the seatbelt pretensioner will not function during a crash event, significantly increasing injury risk.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B00E1 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS/Airbag)
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.
