B0087 code meaning
Third Row Center Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control
What B0087 means
B0087 would flag the igniter circuit of an adaptive belt force limiter on the centre position of row three. That combination is close to theoretical: no carmaker documents the code, and NHTSA's 2013 study dates universal fitment of load limiters (by model year 2007) only for the front outboard seats. Joyson describes how such a unit works, with linear limiters tuned to a vehicle's crash pulse and dual-stage versions for adaptive or degressive force. On GM Global A vehicles (2011 Saab 9-4X) B0087 means the left rear side impact sensor. GM sets it after ten seconds of a fault, or when the module hears nothing from the sensor for over 375 ms. A history code there clears after 100 fault-free ignition cycles. Check the make first.
B0087 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0087
- Airbag warning lamp on
- On GM vehicles the AIR BAG indicator is lit by the cluster at the module's request
- Safety note: airbag system with pyrotechnic parts; diagnose only de-energised at a specialist workshop
Common causes of B0087
- Most likelyOn GM vehicles, left rear side impact sensor or its connector faulty (different meaning)
- Less likelyDamaged lead to a third-row centre limiter where fitted
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Third row center load limiterSquib circuitSRS control module
What each part of B0087 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0087 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0087
What does B0087 mean?
B0087 means "Third Row Center Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control". B0087 would flag the igniter circuit of an adaptive belt force limiter on the centre position of row three. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0087?
B0087 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0087 fail an emissions test?
B0087 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0087 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0087 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.