B00B8 code meaning
Driver Seat Occupant Position Sensor B
What B00B8 means
B00B8 names the second occupant position sensor at the driver seat. The code is not published by any carmaker, and the letter assignment is the maker's choice. Instead of looking down from the roof, a position sensor can sit at the airbag cover itself: a patent first filed in 1998 by Automotive Systems Laboratory, now held by Joyson, puts an active infrared, ultrasonic or electric field sensor in or near the inflator door, keeps the bag disabled while a large body part is in the at-risk zone and cites NHTSA findings that injuries drop if the bag stays off for occupants roughly 4 to 10 inches from the door. FMVSS 208 accepts such dynamic suppression for the driver bag. A stored B00B8 means this input has failed; the airbag lamp lights.
B00B8 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B00B8
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Airbag cannot be suppressed if the driver is very close to the cover
- Safety note: airbag system; work at steering wheel, cover or sensor plugs only de-energised (ignition off, battery off, wait time); calibrate the sensor after replacement, specialist workshop only
Common causes of B00B8
- PossibleFault in the lead to a sensor at the steering wheel or cover, e.g. via the clockspring
- PossibleSensor window covered by stickers, covers or dirt
- PossibleInternal fault of position sensor B
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Driver occupant position sensor bSRS wiringSRS control module
What each part of B00B8 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). |
| B8 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B00B8 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 B00B8
What does B00B8 mean?
B00B8 means "Driver Seat Occupant Position Sensor B". B00B8 names the second occupant position sensor at the driver seat. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B00B8?
B00B8 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B00B8 fail an emissions test?
B00B8 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 B00B8 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B00B8 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.