What is error code B0066?
Meaning and explanation of error code B0066: B0066 – “Driver’s seat belt pretensioner drive circuit: Voltage out of range”
Error code B0066 refers to the vehicle’s passive safety system, specifically the driver’s seat belt pretensioner trigger circuit. The pretensioner is designed to quickly tighten the seat belt during a collision, holding the driver’s body more securely and improving protection. Error B0066 indicates that the voltage in the pretensioner circuit is out of range, which may indicate a problem with the wiring, connector, or the pretensioner itself. While this error does not cause immediate safety failure, it can affect the effectiveness of the pretensioner, reducing the driver’s level of protection. Code B0066 indicates that the voltage in the driver’s seat belt pretensioner circuit is greater than or less than the allowed value. This could be due to a short circuit, open circuit, or a malfunction of the pretensioner itself.
Symptoms of error code B0066
- The airbag light on the dashboard is illuminated
- The SRS (airbag) system is disabled or operating in limited mode
- Failure of the seat belt pretensioner in an emergency
- The error persists in the ECU memory even after resetting
Main causes of error code B0066
- Damaged or worn wiring in the pretensioner circuit
- Short circuit or open circuit
- Malfunction of the seat belt pretensioner itself
- Problems with the connector or pins
Error code B0066 in common vehicles
B0066 in Chevrolet Colorado: In Chevrolet Colorado models, error B0066 is often associated with damaged wiring in the rear door, especially at bends.
B0066 in GMC Canyon: In GMC Canyon models, a similar problem may also occur due to worn wiring in the rear door, leading to a loss of communication with the pretensioner.
B0066 in Cadillac CTS: In the Cadillac CTS, error B0066 may be due to a malfunction of the pretensioner or its circuit, requiring replacement of the component.
B0066 in Saab 9-5: In the Saab 9-5, error B0066 may indicate a problem with the pretensioner circuit voltage, requiring inspection and possible replacement of the wiring or pretensioner. Buick Enclave B0066: In the Buick Enclave, error B0066 may be due to a faulty seatbelt pretensioner or its circuit, requiring diagnosis and troubleshooting.
How to diagnose error code B0066?
- Read the error code with an OBD2 diagnostic scanner
- Visually inspect the pretensioner wiring and connectors for damage
- Measure the resistance and voltage in the pretensioner circuit
- Check the pretensioner condition with a multimeter
- Reset the error code and recheck the system
Possible Causes and Diagnostic Methods
| Possible Cause | How to Check? |
|---|---|
| Damaged or worn wires | Visual inspection for damage, cracks, and wear |
| Short circuit or open circuit | Circuit resistance and voltage measurement |
| Pretensioner malfunction | Check pretensioner resistance and compare with normal values |
| Connector or pin problems | Check and clean connectors, check for corrosion |
Tools needed: OBD2 scanner, multimeter, connector and wiring access kit, contact cleaner
How to fix error code B0066? (Solution to the problem)
Simple repair methods
- Clean the pretensioner connector and contacts
- Reset the error code with a diagnostic scanner
- Check and repair damaged wires
In-depth diagnostic and repair solutions
- Replace the faulty seatbelt pretensioner
- Repair or replace damaged wiring in the pretensioner circuit
- Check and repair the SRS control unit if necessary
Troubleshooting by Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Airbag light is on | Diagnose and resolve error B0066 |
| No pretensioner activation | Check and replace the pretensioner or its circuit |
| Error persists after reset | In-depth SRS diagnosis and troubleshooting |
B0066 Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive with error code B0066?
It is not recommended, as the seatbelt pretensioner may not deploy in the event of an accident, reducing driver protection.
Does this B0066 fault affect airbag performance?
Yes, in some cases, the SRS unit may completely or partially disable the airbags if this error occurs.
Can I fix error B0066 myself?
Yes, if the cause is a dirty or poorly connected connector. However, if the damage is severe, it’s best to contact a service center.
Is it dangerous to reset error B0066 without addressing the cause?
Yes, resetting without troubleshooting will not solve the problem. The safety system may not function properly in the event of an accident.
How do I know if there is a problem with the pretensioner?
The main indicators are the airbag warning light illuminating and the appearance of error B0066 in the ECU memory. You can also measure the resistance of the pretensioner circuit with a multimeter.
B0066 related OBD2 errors:
B0057 – “Passenger seat belt pretensioner drive circuit: open circuit”
B0064 – “Driver seat belt pretensioner drive circuit: low resistance”
B0065 – “Driver seat belt pretensioner drive circuit: open circuit”
Important! Ignoring the B0066 error may lead to reduced effectiveness of the safety system in a collision. It is recommended to diagnose and eliminate the fault as soon as possible. Regularly checking the condition of the wiring and safety connectors helps prevent errors and provides reliable protection in emergency situations.