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B0087 — Third Row Center Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control

Generic OBD-II · all makesBody

This code indicates a malfunction in the deployment control circuit for the third-row center seat belt load limiter, which is part of the supplemental restraint system. The restraint control module has detected an open, short, or resistance fault in the circuit that controls the pyrotechnic load-limiting device. This typically prevents the system from verifying that the seat belt tensioner can deploy properly in a collision.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty load limiter/pretensioner assembly

The pyrotechnic device integrated into the seat belt retractor or anchor point has developed internal resistance outside the specified range, or the squib has failed open.

2. Wiring harness damage

Open circuits, shorts to ground, or chafing in the wiring running to the third row center seat belt, often caused by cargo contact, seat folding mechanisms, or abrasion against metal framework.

3. Connector corrosion or poor contact

Loose terminals, moisture intrusion, or debris at the inline connector near the seat belt anchor point causing high resistance or intermittent connection.

4. Circuit short to ground or power

The deployment circuit wires are making unintended contact with vehicle ground or battery voltage, causing the resistance check to fail or indicating deployment voltage where none should exist.

5. Restraint Control Module fault

Internal malfunction of the SRS control module causing incorrect interpretation of circuit resistance, though this is statistically rare and should only be considered after wiring and component integrity are verified.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the third row center seat belt assembly and accessible wiring for physical damage, liquid intrusion, or disconnected connectors.
  2. With the battery disconnected and system capacitors discharged per safety procedures, measure the resistance across the load limiter squib connector and compare to manufacturer specification (typically 1.5–3.0 ohms).
  3. Check continuity between the load limiter connector and the restraint control module for both circuit wires, verifying no opens or excessive resistance exist in the harness.
  4. Test for shorts to ground and shorts to battery voltage on both control circuit wires with the component and module disconnected.
  5. If wiring tests normal and component resistance is out of specification, replacement of the seat belt assembly containing the load limiter is required.
  6. Only after verifying complete wiring integrity and component resistance should the restraint control module be suspected and tested per manufacturer-specific module diagnostic procedures.

Code facts & related codes

SystemBody
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Is it safe to drive with code B0087?

The vehicle will operate normally, but the supplemental restraint system may be disabled, meaning airbags and seat belt pretensioners might not deploy in a collision. Prompt diagnosis is recommended.

Do I need to replace the entire seat belt or just the load limiter?

The load limiter is integrated into the seat belt assembly and is not serviceable separately; the complete seat belt assembly typically requires replacement if the pyrotechnic device is faulty.

Will disconnecting the battery clear the code?

Disconnecting the battery may temporarily extinguish the warning light, but the code will return immediately upon ignition if the circuit fault persists, as this indicates a hard electrical fault requiring physical repair.

Should I replace the engine computer (PCM/ECM) to fix this?

No. This code concerns the restraint system and is monitored by the airbag control module (SRS module), not the engine computer. Replacing the PCM will not resolve this issue and represents an incorrect diagnosis.