B00C9 code meaning
Passenger Seat Occupant Position Sensor C
What B00C9 means
B00C9 names position sensor C of the passenger seat, and no carmaker lists it publicly. One concept for a third input watches the gap between torso and seat back: a patent first filed by Automotive Systems Laboratory in 1998, now with Joyson, pairs an electric field sensor in the cushion with a capacitive or radar proximity sensor in the back, aimed at the band about 10 to 18 inches above the cushion. While the torso rests within about 2 inches of the back the bag may fire; if it has been away by more than that for over 50 ms, the bag is disabled. If the back sensor keeps seeing someone the cushion sensor misses, the patent treats that as a fault. FMVSS 208 leaves the choice of such sensors to the maker. B00C9 lights the airbag lamp.
B00C9 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 B00C9
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Airbag status lamp may change while the passenger leans forward
- Safety note: airbag system; seat back and sensor only de-energised (ignition off, battery off, wait time), no third-party seat covers over sensors, specialist workshop only
Common causes of B00C9
- Most likelyLead to the seat back sensor broken at the hinge or after trim work
- PossibleProximity sensor C faulty or its signal disagrees with the cushion sensor
- Less likelyThick accessory covers or a wet seat back weakening the field signal
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Passenger occupant position sensor cSRS seat wiringOccupant position module
What each part of B00C9 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). |
| C9 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B00C9 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 B00C9
What does B00C9 mean?
B00C9 means "Passenger Seat Occupant Position Sensor C". B00C9 names position sensor C of the passenger seat, and no carmaker lists it publicly. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B00C9?
B00C9 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B00C9 fail an emissions test?
B00C9 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 B00C9 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B00C9 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.