B0022 Front seat belt pretensioner circuit fault (varies by maker)

Seat belt pretensioner circuit resistance / airbag light on

B0022 in short

On GM vehicles, B0022 means the airbag computer found a fault in a front seat belt pretensioner circuit, often high resistance at a connector. The airbag light comes on and that belt tensioner may not work in a crash. Have a dealer check it soon, and never probe airbag wiring yourself.

The airbag computer tests each firing circuit, including the small charge that tightens a seat belt in a crash (the pretensioner), every time the car starts. B0022 is stored when that circuit reads open or too high in resistance, and the airbag light comes on.

GM's bulletins list B0022 among codes that can come from a loose, missing or broken connector position assurance clip, and Impala bulletins cover pretensioner codes including B0022. Owners of Enclave and Acadia SUVs report dealers finding high resistance at the front belt pretensioners.

Other makers use B0022 for other circuits, and an Infiniti complaint describes it as a curtain airbag, so we speak only for the GM makes we could source.

Most likely causes

  1. Loose, missing or broken connector clip at a restraint connector

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin 08-09-41-002C lists B0022 with a loose, missing or broken connector position assurance clip, and a Buick dealer readout quoted in a complaint cured it with grease on the connector.
    What would change this
    Rises if the light is intermittent or follows seat movement. Falls if the connectors are tight and clean.

  2. Pretensioner or its harness (high resistance)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A GMC Acadia technician found excessive resistance in both front pretensioners, and GM issued Impala bulletins on pretensioner codes including B0022.
    What would change this
    Rises if the resistance is high at the pretensioner itself. Falls if a connector repair clears the code.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Have the airbag codes read with a scan tool that can talk to the airbag module, and note every code stored.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with airbag (SRS) access

    • IfB0022 is stored on a GM vehicle

      It meansThe front seat belt pretensioner circuit reads out of range.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOther airbag codes are stored as well

      It meansA technician should work through them in the order the service manual gives.

      Go to step 3

  2. Give your VIN to the dealer and ask whether a service bulletin or warranty extension covers this code on your car.

    Low risk

    • IfA bulletin or extension applies

      It meansThe dealer repairs it under the bulletin.

      Go to step 3

    • IfNothing applies

      It meansThe circuit still needs a diagnosis.

      Go to step 3

  3. Leave the diagnosis to a dealer or trained technician, who measures the circuit with the service manual procedure.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with airbag access, manufacturer procedure

    Warning:Airbag wiring can set off an airbag if it is probed, disconnected or powered the wrong way, and that can cause serious injury. Do not test or unplug airbag connectors yourself.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) warning light stays on after the engine starts
  • Seat belt that does not retract normally on the affected seat

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Seat belt pretensioner and harness:Dealer or trained-technician work; GM has issued special coverage on some models, so ask before paying. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

GMC

  • 2011–2014 · Acadia

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owner complaints quote dealers finding B0022 with high resistance at the front belt pretensioners, and in one case a GM special coverage adjustment for a wiring failure. Whether coverage is still available is not verified.

Buick

  • 2014 · Enclave

    Supported by vehicle data

    A dealer readout quoted in a complaint found B0022-0D with high resistance at the belt pretensioner connector.

  • SB-08-09-41-002CStatus unverified

    Intermittent air bag light with B0022 and other DTCs

    2005–2009allure, enclave, lacrosse, lucerne, rainier · issued · NHTSA 10029924

    Diagnostic information for an intermittent airbag light caused by a loose, missing or broken connector position assurance clip.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • B0020Airbag firing circuit fault, usually the driver-side seat airbag (varies by maker)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    Both are airbag firing-circuit codes, and GM bulletin 08-09-41-002C lists them together as codes that a loose connector clip can set.

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. GM PIC-5641: incorrect definition of codes B0015, B001A, B0022, B001B shown for driver and/or passenger pretensioners — General Motors ,
  4. GM SB-08-09-41-002C: intermittent air bag (SIR) light with DTC B0012 ... B0022 ... set (loose, missing or broken connector position assurance clip) — General Motors ,
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 1414692 (2014 Buick Enclave) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 1463542 (2011 GMC Acadia) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  7. GM PIC5396A: 2009-2011 Impala with B001A, B001B, B0015 or B0022 set in the sensing and diagnostic module — General Motors ,
  8. NHTSA complaint ODI 1591236 (2014 GMC Acadia) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
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