Error Code B0065 Meaning and Explanation
B0065 – Driver’s Seatbelt Pretensioner Drive Circuit Open
What is error code B0065?
Error code B0065 refers to the vehicle’s passive safety system and indicates a problem with the driver’s seatbelt pretensioner drive circuit. Pretensioners are designed to quickly tighten the seatbelt during a collision, providing additional protection to the occupant.
Error B0065 affects the operation of the airbag and pretensioner system, thus reducing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety system. Although the vehicle may still be drivable, it is recommended to correct this fault immediately to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
Code B0065 indicates an open circuit or high resistance in the driver’s side seatbelt pretensioner drive circuit. This could be due to damage to the wiring, connectors, or the pretensioner itself.
Symptoms of Error Code B0065
- The airbag warning light on the dashboard is illuminated.
- An OBD2 scanner displays code B0065.
- The airbag system may be disabled.
- Additional safety-related error codes may also be present.
Main Causes of Error Code B0065
- Damaged or broken pretensioner wiring.
- Corrosion or poor contact in the connector.
- Faulty pretensioner itself.
- Safety Management Module (SDM) issues.
Error Code B0065 in Common Vehicles
B0065 in Chevrolet Colorado: In Chevrolet Colorado models, error B0065 is often related to damaged wiring under the driver’s seat.
B0065 in GMC Canyon: In the GMC Canyon, the cause of the error may be corrosion in the pretensioner connector.
B0065 in Cadillac CTS: In the Cadillac CTS, error B0065 may be caused by a faulty safety control module.
B0065 in Saab 9-5: In the Saab 9-5, error B0065 may occur due to high resistance in the pretensioner circuit.
B0065 in Chevrolet Corvette: In the Chevrolet Corvette, error B0065 may stem from wiring issues with the seatbelt pretensioner.
How to diagnose error code B0065?
- Connect an OBD2 scanner and read the error code.
- Check the wiring and pretensioner connector for damage or corrosion.
- Measure the resistance of the pretensioner using a multimeter.
- Check the Safety Management Module (SDM) for other errors.
- Clear the error code and check if the error reappears after restarting the car.
Possible Causes and Diagnostic Methods
| Possible Cause | How to Check? |
|---|---|
| Damaged wiring | Visual inspection for damage or tears |
| Poor connector contact | Inspect and clean the connector |
| Pretensioner malfunction | Pretensioner resistance test |
| Control module (SDM) problem | OBD2 scanner diagnosis |
Tools needed: OBD2 scanner, multimeter, trim removal tool kit, contact cleaner
How to fix error code B0065? (Solution to the problem)
Simple Repair Methods
- Clean and secure the pretensioner connector.
- Inspect and replace damaged wires, if necessary.
- Reset the error code with an OBD2 scanner.
In-depth Diagnosis and Repair Solutions
- Replace the faulty pretensioner.
- Inspect and replace the Safety Management Module (SDM), if necessary.
- Contact a specialist for a comprehensive safety diagnosis.
Troubleshooting by Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Airbag light is on | Check and clean the connector, reset the error code |
| Recurring error B0065 | Replace the pretensioner or SDM module |
B0065 Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive with error code B0065?
No, because error B0065 indicates a malfunction in the driver’s seatbelt pretensioner system, which affects the airbag operation and reduces the level of protection in case of an accident.
Can error B0065 be caused by disconnecting the connector under the seat?
Yes, a common cause of this error is poor contact or disconnection of the pretensioner circuit connector under the driver’s seat.
How do I reset error B0065 after fixing it?
After eliminating the cause of the error, you need to reset the fault code using an OBD2 diagnostic scanner. Simply disconnecting the battery is not always effective.
B0065 Related OBD2 Errors
B0058 – Passenger seatbelt pretensioner actuator open circuit
B0064 – Low resistance in the driver’s seatbelt pretensioner actuator circuit
B0066 – Driver’s seatbelt pretensioner actuator circuit voltage out of range
Important! In the event of a B0065 error, the airbag system may fail to deploy in an accident, increasing the risk of injury.