B0074 Passenger presence sensor circuit fault

Passenger presence (occupant) sensor fault

B0074 in short

B0074 means the passenger presence system found a fault with the sensor mat in the front passenger seat, such as a lost connection or an open. The airbag light comes on and the passenger airbag may not be managed correctly. GM says electronic devices on the seat can set it. Clear the seat; if the light stays, see a dealer.

GM's passenger presence system uses a sensor mat in the front passenger seat and a passenger presence module to tell the airbag computer whether the passenger airbag may deploy. GM service information defines B0074 00 as a disconnection from the sensor mat and B0074 04 as an open or a fault signal from the mat; an internal mat fault also sets it.

GM warns that laptops, phones, MP3 players and scan tools placed on the passenger seat can make the system turn on the passenger airbag indicator, and its bulletin ties this to B0074 0F. GM has a procedure for clearing B0071, B0074 and B0081, and on some 2012–2016 Buick Veranos a bulletin replaces the passenger presence sensor.

On 2010–2011 Camaros with B0074 and B0081, GM told dealers not to replace the passenger presence module or the airbag computer for that concern. Diagnosis belongs with a dealer or trained technician.

Most likely causes

  1. Electronic devices on the passenger seat

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's bulletin ties B0074 0F to laptops, phones and similar devices on the passenger seat, and GM service information lists electronic devices as a cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if a device was on the seat when the light came on, or if the code ends in 0F. Falls if the code returns with the seat empty.

  2. Passenger presence sensor mat or module fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM service information says an internal mat fault sets B0074; GM's Verano bulletin replaces the passenger presence sensor, and a Chevrolet owner reports a dealer finding the module failed internally.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code returns with the seat empty and dry. Falls on a 2010–2011 Camaro, where GM says not to replace the module for this concern.

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 shows the characters after B0074, and note every code stored.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with airbag (SRS) access

    • IfB0074 0F

      It meansGM ties this to electronic devices on the seat.

      Go to step 2

    • IfB0074 00 or 04

      It meansA lost connection or open at the sensor mat.

      Go to step 2

    • IfB0074 with B0081 on a 2010–2011 Camaro

      It meansGM's bulletin says not to replace the module or airbag computer for this concern.

      Go to step 3

  2. Remove phones, laptops and other devices from the passenger seat, then see whether the light goes out after a restart. GM has a set procedure for clearing these codes.

    Low risk

  3. Have a dealer or trained technician run the airbag system diagnosis from the service manual.

    Best left to a shopTool: maker's diagnostic tool

    Warning:Never probe airbag connectors or wiring with a test light or meter, and never unplug them yourself. Nissan warns that airbags and pretensioners can still deploy after the ignition is off, and that test equipment must not be used on airbag circuits unless the service manual calls for it. Leave this to a dealer or trained technician.

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning light stays on after the engine starts
  • Passenger airbag status light shows the airbag off with an adult in the 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

  • Passenger presence sensor mat / module:Part of the seat and airbag system: dealer work. On some models GM says not to replace it for this code, so diagnosis comes first. 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

Chevrolet

  • 2010–2011 · Camaro

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM told dealers not to replace the passenger presence module or airbag computer for B0074 with B0081. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2009 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

    An owner reports a dealer finding the passenger presence module failed internally.

  • PI-0241Status unverified

    SIR light on with B0074 and B0081

    2010–2011camaro · issued · NHTSA 10036025

    Do not replace the passenger presence module or the sensing and diagnostic module for this concern.

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

  • 07-09-41-004Status unverified

    Clearing PPS and SDM DTCs B0071, B0074, B0081

    2006–2008silverado-3500, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10022703

    New procedure for clearing passenger presence system and airbag computer codes.

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

Buick

  • 2012–2016 · Verano

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM's bulletin replaces the front passenger presence sensor. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 16-NA-145Status unverified

    Replace the front passenger presence sensor

    2012–2016verano · issued · NHTSA 10108637

    Service airbag light, passenger airbag status OFF; replace the passenger presence sensor.

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

  • B0081Passenger presence (seat occupant sensing) system fault

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's bulletins cover B0074 with B0081, both in the passenger presence system.

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

B0074 questions

Can my phone on the passenger seat set B0074?

Yes. GM says electronic devices on the passenger seat can make the system light the passenger airbag indicator and set B0074 0F. Move them and see whether the light clears.

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. DTC B0074 (2011 Saab 9-4X workshop manual, airbag/SRS) — General Motors / Saab Automobile
  4. SB-08-09-41-007A: electronic devices on the front passenger seat may set B0074, B101D or B0081 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  5. GM 16-NA-145: replace the front passenger presence sensor (service airbag light, passenger airbag status OFF) — General Motors ,
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 10662352 (2009 Chevrolet Equinox) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  7. PI-0241: airbag light on with DTCs B0074 and B0081; do not replace the PPS module or SDM (2010–2011 Camaro) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. GM 07-09-41-004: new procedure for clearing PPS and SDM DTCs B0071, B0074, B0081 — General Motors ,
  9. Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems: damage analysis and repair using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (TechNews, Summer 2016) — Nissan North America ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.