OBD-II trouble code
B0060: Driver Seatbelt Tension Sensor (Subfault)
The airbag/SRS control module detected a fault in the driver seat belt tension sensor circuit — the sensor that measures how tightly the driver's belt is pulled, used to help judge belt use and tailor restraint behavior. This needs prompt professional attention.
Quick facts
- System
- Body
- Category
- Airbag / SRS Restraints
- Severity
- High severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $600
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does B0060 mean?
B0060 is a body (B) code stored by the airbag/SRS control module — often called the Restraints Control Module (RCM) or, where occupant sensing is a separate unit, the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM). Its SAE-generic definition is 'Driver Seatbelt Tension Sensor,' referring to a sensor that measures the tension in the driver's seat belt. It is the driver-side counterpart of B0061 (Passenger Seatbelt Tension Sensor). Unlike a simple buckle switch, a tension sensor reads how tightly the belt is pulled — usually via a strain gauge or potentiometer built into the belt anchor or retractor. That reading helps the system confirm the belt is actually in use and, on some vehicles, feeds belt-reminder logic and advanced restraint strategies.
The module sets B0060 when the tension sensor reports invalid data or its circuit falls out of specification — an open or short in the sensor wiring, a corroded or backed-out connector under the driver's seat, a failed sensor, or a fault in the classification module. These circuits are monitored against a tight resistance window, so even a marginal connection can trigger the code. A symptom byte appended to the code narrows down the exact condition. Because the sensor and its harness live under the driver's seat and flex with seat travel, the most common trouble spot is the under-seat connector; spilled liquids, floor moisture, and aftermarket seat covers or seat heaters are frequent contributors, and many systems require a zero/recalibration procedure after any seat or sensor service.
This is a supplemental restraint fault, not a driveability fault: the car drives normally, but the airbag warning light is on and the driver's belt-status or restraint logic may not perform as intended. Airbag circuits carry a small risk of unintended deployment when mishandled, so SRS diagnosis, repair, and recalibration should be left to a qualified technician. Confirm the exact definition and whether a driver-side tension sensor is fitted against your make's service data, as occupant-sensing designs vary widely.
Common causes
- Corroded, backed-out, or loose connector under the driver's seat
- Damaged wiring in the seat harness where it flexes with seat travel
- Failed driver seat belt tension sensor (strain gauge or potentiometer)
- Moisture intrusion or spilled liquid at the under-seat connector
- System out of calibration or never zeroed after seat/sensor service
- Faulty occupant classification module or airbag/SRS control module
Symptoms
- Airbag / SRS warning light on
- Seat-belt reminder chime or 'belt-out' message behaving incorrectly for the driver
- Stored B0060 fault (often with a symptom byte) in the restraints/occupant module
- Possible companion driver-seat restraint codes stored alongside it
- No effect on engine or driving performance
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Use a scan tool that can access the airbag/SRS or occupant-classification module and record B0060 with its full symptom byte and any companion codes.
- 2.Confirm no aftermarket seat cover, seat heater, or heavy item is interfering with the driver's seat, and remove anything unusual before testing.
- 3.With the SRS safely disabled per the service procedure, inspect the under-seat connector and seat harness for corrosion, moisture, or backed-out terminals.
- 4.Measure the tension sensor circuit against specification (many systems expect a specific resistance value, often rising as the belt is pulled) to separate a wiring/connector fault from a failed sensor.
- 5.If a companion driver seat belt sensor or occupant-classification code is present, treat the driver seat restraint circuits as a set and check for a shared connector, power, or ground.
- 6.If the seat, sensor, or module was recently serviced, run the make-specific zero/recalibration procedure, which many systems require.
- 7.Repair the wiring/connector or replace the sensor, recalibrate, then clear codes and confirm the SRS light stays off.
Repair cost
$100 – $600
A connector repair or a recalibration can be inexpensive, while a failed driver seat belt tension sensor is costlier and often needs occupant-classification recalibration after replacement. SRS diagnostic time typically runs $100-$200; sensor replacement with the required calibration commonly falls in the $200-$600 range. SRS work should be done by a qualified technician.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with airbag / srs crash sensor replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
Leave this one to a qualified shop. It typically involves emissions-critical components, refrigerant handling, or other work that requires manufacturer-grade tooling, training, or certification. DIY attempts often produce a more expensive problem than the original code.