B0078: Third Row Right Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment Control
Fault on the third-row right seat belt pretensioner deployment circuit.
What B0078 means
B0078 is a generic OBD-II body code in the airbags & restraints group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- 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
- 01Pretensioner squib openMost likely
Can I drive with B0078?
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
- Turns 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 B0078
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just B0078. 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
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Third row right pretensioner, Squib circuit) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Pretensioner squib open. 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.
B0078 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
- Third row right pretensioner
- Squib circuit
B0078 FAQ
What does B0078 mean?
B0078 means “Third Row Right Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment Control”. Fault on the third-row right seat belt pretensioner deployment circuit.
Is B0078 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate B0078 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 B0078?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Pretensioner squib open. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix B0078?
Typical labor is about $125–$500 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 B0078 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 B0078 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.