B00C0: Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor "A" (Subfault)

What it means

Fault on passenger seat occupant classification sensor A — used to determine if the seat holds a child, adult or is empty (gates the passenger airbag).

At a glance

• Usually lights the airbag (SRS) or body-system warning light

How it works

Passenger seat occupant classification sensor A contributes information the occupant-classification system uses to distinguish an empty seat from an occupied seat and assess the passenger-airbag status. B00C0 indicates a fault specific to sensor A or its circuit, so the system may not classify the passenger seat reliably.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Faulty passenger seat occupant classification sensor A
2. Damaged wiring or connector beneath the seat
3. Seat cushion or upholstery issue affecting sensor readings
4. Fault in the occupant classification or restraint control module

Symptoms

• Warning light or symbol related to the affected system
• Comfort or safety function impaired

How to diagnose it

1. Read the restraint and occupant-classification modules' codes and freeze-frame data, then check live status for sensor A and the passenger-airbag indicator.
2. Remove loose items from the passenger seat and check for anything trapped between the seat cushion and frame that could affect sensor A.
3. Inspect the passenger seat upholstery and cushion for damage or recent changes, and check accessible sensor A wiring and connectors beneath the seat for looseness or damage.
4. With the seat unoccupied and then occupied only as directed by the manufacturer's procedure, compare sensor A and classification data with the displayed airbag status.
5. Test sensor A and its circuit to the manufacturer's specification; assess the classification or restraint module only after the sensor, seat, and wiring checks pass.

Common fixes

• Remove items or obstructions affecting passenger seat sensor A.
• Repair a damaged connector or wiring beneath the passenger seat.
• Restore the seat upholstery or cushion if damage is affecting sensor A, following the manufacturer's service procedure.
• Replace sensor A or repair the occupant-classification or restraint module only when testing identifies it as faulty.

Can I keep driving?

Do not assume the passenger airbag is correctly enabled or disabled while the restraint warning is present; have the system checked promptly, especially before carrying a passenger. Keep objects off the seat during diagnosis and avoid probing restraint wiring.