B0073 medium Severity

B0073: Second Row Left Seatbelt Pretensioner Deployment Control (Subfault)

No direct drivability impact noted; SRS/airbag system warning light may be illuminated and pretensioner may be disabled, reducing occupant restraint in a crash.

Overview

B0073 indicates an OBD-II body code for a fault in the control/deployment circuit of the second row left seatbelt pretensioner, often related to electrical continuity, connector or SRS module issues.

Common Symptoms

  • SRS/airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Dashboard message or chime indicating a seatbelt pretensioner fault
  • No change in engine or transmission performance

Most Common Causes

Loss of communication or signal within the SRS control module for the second row left pretensioner medium

Module communication failures may stem from CAN-bus or internal module faults.

Wiring harness/connector issues such as corrosion, open or shorted circuits high

Electrical continuity faults in harness or poor connector contacts are frequently linked to B0073.

Faulty or failed second row left seatbelt pretensioner unit medium

Internal pretensioner coil failure or abnormal resistance may trigger the code.

Software or calibration error in the SRS/airbag control module low

Incomplete flashes or outdated software thresholds may occasionally contribute.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect an SRS-capable scan tool to retrieve B0073 and any related codes
    Expected: SRS/airbag module reports B0073 and potential related pretensioner codes.
    Interpretation: Confirms the code is active and allows assessment of multiple restraint system faults.
  2. Inspect wiring harness and connectors for the second row left pretensioner
    Expected: Check for open circuits, shorts, corrosion, loose or damaged connectors.
    Interpretation: Electrical continuity faults or corrosion points to harness/connector fixes.
  3. Perform continuity and resistance tests on the pretensioner circuit
    Expected: Resistance matches manufacturer specification without open or short.
    Interpretation: Abnormal resistance suggests pretensioner or wiring fault.
  4. Verify module communication and supply voltage to pretensioner driver circuit
    Expected: 12 V supply present and proper module acknowledgment.
    Interpretation: Absence of voltage or no module response suggests control module fault.
  5. Clear codes with the scanner and recheck if B0073 returns
    Expected: Codes clear but reappear if fault persists.
    Interpretation: Recurrence indicates underlying hardware or circuit still unresolved.

Repair Solutions

Repair or replace damaged wiring harness/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Cleaning corroded terminals and repairing wiring often resolves the code.

Replace faulty seatbelt pretensioner unit medium
Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

Pretensioner units vary by vehicle; safety protocol must be followed when handling.

Reflash or update SRS/airbag control module software medium
Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Only applicable if software calibration issues or known manufacturer updates exist.

Replace SRS/airbag control module hard
Estimated Cost: $600 - $1200

Often the most expensive resolution if internal driver faults exist in the module.

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • General airbag light without recognizing specific pretensioner circuit issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of the B0073 engine code?

Second Row Left Seatbelt Pretensioner Deployment Control (Subfault) is the standard definition for B0073. This diagnostic code is triggered when the ECU detects a problem in the Sensors.

Can B0073 cause engine damage?

The B0073 code is considered medium severity. No direct drivability impact noted; SRS/airbag system warning light may be illuminated and pretensioner may be disabled, reducing occupant restraint in a crash.

What happens when the B0073 code is active?

Drivers often report: SRS/airbag warning lamp illuminated, Dashboard message or chime indicating a seatbelt pretensioner fault, No change in engine or transmission performance when this code is present.

Common triggers for the B0073 error

It can be caused by several factors, most notably: Loss of communication or signal within the SRS control module for the second row left pretensioner, Wiring harness/connector issues such as corrosion, open or shorted circuits, Faulty or failed second row left seatbelt pretensioner unit.

Is B0073 expensive to fix?

Repair costs depend on the specific failure. A simple Repair or replace damaged wiring harness/connectors replacement is relatively affordable ($50-$150), whereas a Replace SRS/airbag control module repair is more expensive, potentially reaching $1200.

Is the B0073 code specific to Honda?

B0073 is not specific to any one brand. It can appear on Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and other vehicles.

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