Body, generic

B0081 First Row Center Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

B0081 is assigned to a squib-switched limiter for the centre place of a three-across front bench. No carmaker publishes the code with this meaning. Mercedes-Benz files a first-row centre tensioning retractor under its own code B1B36, and NHTSA's 2013 study notes that load limiters became universal only at the two outer front seats. In practice the number almost always carries a GM meaning: on Global A cars such as the Saab 9-4X it means a passenger presence module fault (00) or a wrong module fitted (3A), with the passenger airbag disabled; GM special coverage N182188910 (2017 Buick Verano) and bulletin PIE0407B (Impala) deal with it. Saab 9-3 and 9-5 airbag modules use B0081 for a wrong passenger-side B-pillar or side sensor. Check the make before suspecting a belt.

Likely causes

On GM vehicles, fault or mismatch of the passenger presence module in the seat (different meaning)
Wiring to a centre front seat retractor damaged in the seat base
Internal fault of the centre seat load limiter squib

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning lamp on
  • On GM vehicles the passenger airbag status shows OFF although an adult is seated
  • Safety note: airbag system with pyrotechnic parts; diagnose and repair only de-energised at a specialist workshop

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–800
Time0.5–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

first row center load limitersquib circuitsrs control module

Related codes

B0071B0080B0082B0084

References: saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, saabwisonline.com.