B0901 - Airbag System Fault - Common in 2015-2018 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry

Quick Answer

B0901 means: DTC B0901 indicates a fault in the airbag system, particularly related to the seat belt tensioner.

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $150 - $300 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with B0901? Immediate attention is recommended to ensure passenger safety.

Common Questions

What does B0901 mean and how does it affect my car?

B0901 indicates a fault in the airbag system, particularly affecting the seat belt tensioner. This issue can prevent airbags from deploying during a collision, significantly increasing the risk of injury. It's crucial to address this code promptly to ensure passenger safety.

What are the most common causes of B0901 and how much does it cost to fix?

The most common causes include a faulty seat belt tensioner and malfunctioning airbag control module. Repair costs can range from $150 to $600 depending on the specific issue and parts required.

Can I drive my car with B0901 or should I stop immediately?

It is not advisable to drive with B0901 as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system. Driving with this code could compromise your safety in an accident. It's best to have the vehicle inspected immediately.

How can I diagnose B0901 myself using GeekOBD APP?

You can use the GeekOBD APP to scan your vehicle for error codes, including B0901. The app will provide freeze frame data, helping you understand when the fault occurred. You can also use it to monitor the airbag system for any irregularities.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by B0901?

B0901 is frequently found in models such as the 2015-2018 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It's important to check for any recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to these models.

How can I prevent B0901 from happening again?

Regular maintenance checks, especially of the airbag system and seat belts, can help prevent B0901. Additionally, avoiding harsh driving conditions and ensuring proper installation of aftermarket components will contribute to system longevity.

What is B0901?

DTC B0901 indicates an issue within the airbag system, specifically related to the seat belt tensioner and overall safety restraint performance. This code is particularly common in vehicles like the 2015 to 2018 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. When your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system detects a malfunction in the airbag system, it triggers the B0901 code. This could mean a faulty seat belt tensioner, issues with the airbag control module, or wiring problems. If this code appears, your airbag system may not deploy correctly in the event of a collision, significantly raising the risk of injury during an accident. It's crucial to address this issue promptly. Ignoring a B0901 code not only compromises safety but can also lead to additional repair costs if the problem worsens. Furthermore, the airbag warning light may illuminate on your dashboard, serving as a visual reminder that something is amiss with your vehicle's safety systems. Regular maintenance checks can help avoid such issues, and using tools like the GeekOBD APP can assist in diagnosing and monitoring the airbag system effectively.

System: B - Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)

Symptoms

Common symptoms when B0901 is present:

  • The airbag warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a malfunction in the airbag system.
  • You may experience issues with the seat belts, such as improper locking or retracting, which can affect safety during driving.
  • In some cases, the vehicle's performance may be impacted, such as electrical anomalies or issues with dashboard lights flickering.
  • Delayed deployment of airbags during a simulated crash test could also be a critical symptom to note.
  • Increased diagnostic trouble codes may appear alongside B0901, suggesting multiple faults in the safety system.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of B0901 (ordered by frequency):

  1. The most common cause of B0901 is a faulty seat belt tensioner, which has a likelihood of approximately 50%. This could be due to wear and tear or electrical failure.
  2. Another common cause is a malfunctioning airbag control module, which interprets signals from various sensors and can fail due to software issues or hardware faults.
  3. Wiring problems, such as frayed wires or poor connections, can also lead to B0901, making up about 20% of cases. Regular inspections can help prevent these issues.
  4. Less common but serious causes include physical damage to the airbag system components, such as during a previous accident.
  5. A rare cause could be a software glitch in the vehicle’s onboard computer, which may require a professional reprogramming or update.

B0901 Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Seat Belt Tensioner Replacement

Replacing a faulty seat belt tensioner to restore proper airbag functionality.

  • Total: $150 - $300
  • Success rate: 85%
Airbag Control Module Repair/Replacement

Repairing or replacing the airbag control module to ensure correct signal processing.

  • Total: $300 - $600
  • Success rate: 90%
Wiring Repair

Fixing damaged wiring or connectors related to the airbag system.

  • Total: $50 - $150
  • Success rate: 70%
Money-Saving Tips for B0901
  • Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
  • Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
  • Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
  • Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
  • Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage

Diagnostic Steps

Professional B0901 Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B0901. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs of damage such as frayed wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in connectors related to the airbag system (5-10 minutes)

Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs of damage such as frayed wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in connectors related to the airbag system (5-10 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve all codes along with freeze frame data to understand the context of the fault (10-15 minutes)

Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve all codes along with freeze frame data to understand the context of the fault (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test the seat belt tensioner and airbag control module for proper functionality (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test the seat belt tensioner and airbag control module for proper functionality (20-30 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - After performing repairs, verify that the airbag system operates correctly and clear any existing codes (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: System function test - After performing repairs, verify that the airbag system operates correctly and clear any existing codes (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure that the repairs have resolved the issue and that no warning lights remain illuminated (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure that the repairs have resolved the issue and that no warning lights remain illuminated (15-20 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.

Important Notes

  • Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
  • Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
  • Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence

Real Repair Case Studies

Case Study 1: Seat Belt Tensioner Replacement on 2016 Honda Accord

Vehicle: 2016 Honda Accord with 75,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported airbag warning light on the dashboard.

Diagnosis: Using GeekOBD APP, scanned for codes and confirmed B0901 was present. Visual inspection revealed a damaged seat belt tensioner.

Solution: Replaced the seat belt tensioner and performed system checks to ensure proper airbag functionality.

Cost: $250 (parts: $150 for tensioner, $100 for labor)

Result: Airbag system restored, warning light cleared, and customer reported satisfaction with the repair.

Case Study 2: Airbag Control Module Replacement on 2017 Toyota Camry

Vehicle: 2017 Toyota Camry with 50,000 miles

Problem: Customer noticed intermittent airbag warning light and seat belt issues.

Diagnosis: Scanned for codes with GeekOBD APP, confirmed B0901, followed by testing the airbag control module.

Solution: Replaced the airbag control module, updated software, and cleared any stored codes.

Cost: $450 (parts: $300 for module, $150 for labor)

Result: Airbag system functioning correctly, warning light resolved, and customer expressed gratitude for quick service.

Diagnose B0901

Use GeekOBD APP for professional diagnosis!

  • Real-time data monitoring
  • Advanced diagnostic features
  • Step-by-step repair guidance
  • Professional-grade analysis
Download GeekOBD APP Get MOBD Adapter

Code Information

Code: B0901
System: Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Body Codes