B00CA: Passenger Seat Occupant Position Sensor "D" (Subfault)

What it means

The restraint module monitors passenger-seat occupant position sensor D as part of its assessment of the occupant’s position. It sets this code when the sensor’s signal or circuit does not meet the module’s expected criteria.

At a glance

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

How it works

Passenger occupant position sensor D provides a position input to the restraint control module. B00CA identifies a fault in sensor D or its wiring because the module has detected a missing or unacceptable signal from that specific input.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Failed occupant position sensor
2. Loose or damaged connector or wiring
3. Open or short in the sensor circuit
4. Fault in the restraint control module

Symptoms

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

How to diagnose it

1. Use an SRS-capable scan tool to verify B00CA, record freeze-frame data, and check for companion codes affecting sensor D or its shared circuit.
2. Review live passenger occupant position sensor D data and confirm it behaves as the manufacturer specifies.
3. Inspect sensor D’s connector and harness around the passenger seat for looseness, corrosion, chafing, or wires trapped by seat movement.
4. With the restraint system made safe under the manufacturer’s procedure, test sensor D’s power, ground, signal, and wiring continuity for opens or shorts.
5. Measure sensor D’s response and compare it with the manufacturer’s specification to separate a sensor fault from a circuit fault.
6. If the sensor and circuit pass, verify restraint-module connections, power, and ground before diagnosing the module itself.

Common fixes

• Reconnect or repair the passenger occupant position sensor D wiring or connector.
• Repair an open or short in sensor D’s circuit.
• Replace sensor D if its output fails the specified test.
• Correct a confirmed restraint-module power, ground, or connector problem.
• Replace or reprogram the restraint control module only after confirming it is faulty.

Can I keep driving?

The vehicle may still move normally, but a passenger restraint function may not receive reliable position data from sensor D. Treat the warning as a safety issue, avoid disturbing seat wiring, and arrange prompt diagnosis.