As you might already know, there are all sorts of OBD2 codes under various trouble code subsystems, including those called the B or Body diagnostic trouble codes. In this article, let’s pick some of the most common ones that you might come across from this group of codes.
The B or Body subsystem of OBD2 codes refers to faults generally occurring on the inside of the vehicle. These codes relate to interior parts that provide comfort, driver assistance, safety, and more. Although the vehicle is likely to be driveable even when these B code faults are present, you must get them addressed immediately by a qualified technician.
First, let me tell you what Body OBDII codes are, then we’ll dive into four of the most common ones, namely, B0001, B0028, B00C6, B1975.
Let’s get started.
About Body (B) OBDII Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The onboard diagnostics in your car can give you very helpful information whenever there's a fault in the vehicle. It does so by presenting you with error codes falling into one of several categories.
To understand how OBD works, you may check out our previous introduction to the topic in this article.
For now, though, we’re talking specifically about Body (B) OBD II fault codes. These codes generally cover problems located within the car’s cabin.
So, each error code could point to any of the interior parts of the car related to driver assistance, safety, comfort, and convenience.
Common Body OBD2 Codes & Simple Fixes
Here are some of the common OBD II trouble codes that you might come across.
Remember: this is a partial list only, so please refer to your car’s user manual or website for a complete list of OBD2 codes related to the vehicle’s body.
OBD2 B0001 – Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
Affected part: Driver-side airbag (including harness or electrical connections), clockspring, or Restraints Control Module (RCM).
What is likely happening: This error code can refer to several different problems related to the driver's side airbag. It typically involves an electrical fault related to the airbag.
For example, the driver side airbag harness might have an open or shorted circuit. The airbag might also have a poor electrical connection that could prevent it from working correctly.
Alternatively, the code could also indicate a problem with a faulty clockspring.
Lastly, the B0001 code could also appear if the Restraints Control Module (RCM) is faulty.
Symptoms: A common symptom related to this fault code is that the airbag warning light on the instrument panel is turned on.
Fix: Fixing this problem will require a close inspection of all the wiring and electrical connectors related to the driver side airbag. This is quite a tricky job to do and includes the risk of accidentally deploying the airbag if done incorrectly.
So, it’s best to take this problem to a qualified technician to diagnose it thoroughly and repair it.
OBD2 B0028 – Right Side Airbag Deployment Control
Affected part: This is another code that relates to airbags and their electrical control. However, this code points to a fault with the right-side airbag in particular. The affected part could be the right-side airbag module itself, its harness, or its electrical connections.
What is likely happening: Like the previous fault code, this one could represent several different problems. First, however, the code indicates where it’s coming from, which is the right-side airbag.
The likely issue is that the airbag module itself is faulty. Besides that, its harness could be open or short-circuited. Lastly, the module may have a poor electrical connection that could cause it to fail when it should deploy, such as during a collision.
Symptoms: The airbag warning light on your instrument panel will likely be turned on when you detect this error code.
Fix: Fixing this problem requires a close-up inspection of the right-side airbag. Again, this is not the kind of thing you’d want to do as a DIY task, so take it to a qualified technician.
There, the technician will be inspecting all the wiring and electrical connections to ensure that they’re in good working order. If any parts are faulty, the technician can then replace them and get them working again.
OBD2 B00C6 – Passenger Seat Recline Position Restraints Sensor
Affected part: Passenger seat, particularly the recline position restraints sensor. The sensor might be faulty, or its harness and electrical connections are open, short-circuited, or have a poor connection.
Although less likely, the onboard diagnostics may show you this error code to indicate a problem with the airbag instead.
What is likely happening: The likely issue here is that the sensor is faulty or that there’s a problem with its wiring.
Symptoms: The airbag warning light might be turned on when this error is present.
Fix: Resolving this issue will involve inspecting the affected sensor and its electrical connections. Any faulty wiring or harnesses will need to be replaced as well.
OBD2 B1975 – Passengers Seat Recline Back Switch Circuit Short to Battery
Affected part: The passenger seat, more specifically, we’re talking about the seat recline back switch.
What is likely happening: The passenger’s seat recline back switch has likely short-circuited to the battery.
Symptoms: One, the passenger seat recline switch doesn't work when you use it, and two, the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light on the instrument panel may light up.
Fix: Fixing this problem involves closely inspecting the seat’s electrical controls. The controls themselves might be replaced, and possibly the switch as well. Although less likely, you might have to replace the body control module in some severe cases if that’s the cause of the problem.
More OBD2 DTC decoded in succeeding posts – keep yourself updated!
By Ray Hasbollah