B0073: Driver Seatbelt Pretensioner Loop Short to Ground
The driver seatbelt pretensioner deployment circuit is shorted to ground.
What B0073 means
B0073 is a generic OBD-II body code in the airbags & restraints group.
- Check engine light
- Usually off
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Warning light or symbol related to the affected system
- Comfort or safety function impaired
Common causes
- 01Chafed wire in B-pillarMost likely
Can I drive with B0073?
The car drives, but it is a safety risk.
With an airbag or restraint fault stored, one or more airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. Get it diagnosed soon and do not ignore a lit airbag light.
Why we rate it urgent
- An airbag or seat-belt pretensioner may not work in a crash
- Does not normally turn on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose B0073
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just B0073. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the driver seatbelt pretensioner and srs seat wiring for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Chafed wire in B-pillar. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
B0073 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Driver seatbelt pretensioner
- SRS seat wiring
B0073 FAQ
What does B0073 mean?
B0073 means “Driver Seatbelt Pretensioner Loop Short to Ground”. The driver seatbelt pretensioner deployment circuit is shorted to ground.
Is B0073 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate B0073 as urgent severity. The car drives, but it is a safety risk. With an airbag or restraint fault stored, one or more airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. Get it diagnosed soon and do not ignore a lit airbag light.
What causes B0073?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Chafed wire in B-pillar. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix B0073?
Typical labor is about $100–$315 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix B0073 myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will B0073 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.