OBD-II trouble code
B00B5: Driver Seat Track Position Restraints Sensor (Subfault)
The airbag/SRS control module detected a fault with the driver seat track position sensor — the sensor that tells the restraint system how far forward or back the driver's seat is set. Airbag deployment strategy may be affected, so 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 – $700
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does B00B5 mean?
B00B5 is a body (B) code stored by the airbag/SRS control module — often called the Restraints Control Module (RCM) or SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module). It is a hexadecimal code — the character after B00 is the letter B, not a number — and its SAE-generic definition is 'Driver Seat Track Position Restraints Sensor.' This sensor reports the fore/aft position of the driver's seat on its track. A driver sitting far forward is much closer to the airbag than one sitting far back, so advanced restraint systems use seat-track position to help decide how forcefully — and in dual-stage systems, at what stage — the driver airbag should deploy. The sensor is typically a Hall-effect or reed switch mounted on the seat rail that trips as the seat crosses a set point.
The module sets B00B5 when the seat track position 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 seat, a failed sensor or misaligned magnet/target, or an internal module fault. 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 every time the seat is moved, the most common trouble spots are the under-seat connector and the wiring that bends with seat travel; a magnet or target knocked out of alignment during seat or floor work is another frequent cause, and some systems require a relearn/recalibration after 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 airbag's deployment strategy may not be tailored as designed. Airbag circuits carry a small risk of unintended deployment when mishandled, so SRS diagnosis and repair should be left to a qualified technician. Confirm the exact configuration against your make's service data, since occupant- and position-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 seat track position sensor or misaligned magnet/target
- Sensor knocked out of alignment during seat, floor, or trim work
- System not relearned/recalibrated after seat or sensor service
- Faulty airbag/SRS control module
Symptoms
- Airbag / SRS warning light on
- Stored B00B5 fault (often with a symptom byte) in the restraints module
- No effect on engine or driving performance
- Possible companion occupant-position or classification codes stored alongside it
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Use a scan tool that can access the airbag/SRS module and record B00B5 with its full symptom byte and any companion occupant-detection codes.
- 2.Confirm the exact configuration for the make and model, since seat-position sensing designs vary.
- 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.Check the sensor and its magnet/target for physical damage or misalignment, especially if the seat or floor was recently serviced.
- 5.Move the seat through its full travel while monitoring the sensor signal to confirm it changes state at the expected point.
- 6.Measure the sensor circuit against specification to separate a wiring/connector fault from a failed sensor.
- 7.Repair the wiring/connector or replace the sensor, run any required relearn/recalibration, then clear codes and confirm the SRS light stays off.
Repair cost
$100 – $700
A connector repair or realignment can be inexpensive, while a failed seat track position sensor is costlier and may need a relearn after replacement. SRS diagnostic time typically runs $100-$200; sensor replacement with any 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.