B1701: Front seat belt buckle (pretensioner) circuit resistance too high (Hyundai)

Seat belt buckle airbag-circuit resistance too high

Severity: Inspect soon

A high-resistance buckle circuit leaves the airbag light on and the seat belt tensioner on that seat may not work as designed. Honda's and Toyota's owner's manuals say a lit airbag light needs prompt attention because the airbags or belt tensioners may not work as designed.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

B1701 in short

On Hyundai, B1701 means the airbag computer measured too much resistance in a front seat belt buckle circuit, the buckle with the belt tensioner. The airbag light comes on. Hyundai has a bulletin for 2006 to 2008 Sonatas, and dealers replaced buckles. Have it checked soon; never probe airbag wiring yourself.

Each front seat belt buckle has a small circuit that tells the airbag computer the belt is working and can tighten in a crash. B1701 is stored when that circuit reads too high in resistance, so the airbag light comes on.

Hyundai issued bulletin 15-BE-002 for 2006 to 2008 Sonatas that set B1701 or B1706. Owners of Sonatas and an Azera report dealers replacing the driver or passenger buckle, and several say the code returned on the other seat later.

The reports disagree on which seat B1701 means, so a technician should read the circuit.

Pick your make

B1701 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

B1701 on Hyundai

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Seat belt buckle assembly (pretensioner and its connector)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Hyundai bulletin 15-BE-002 covers B1701/B1706 and four owner complaints quote dealers replacing the buckle assemblies.
What would change this
Rises on a 2006 to 2008 Sonata or a 2006 Azera. Falls if the buckle connector checks good.

What to test first

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

Step 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
- IfB1701 is stored, with or without B1706
  It meansA front seat belt buckle circuit reads high resistance.
  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
Step 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
Step 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.
- IfThe buckle circuit reads high
  It meansThe buckle assembly is replaced as the bulletin directs.
  Points to: Seat belt buckle assembly (pretensioner and its connector)

Symptoms

Airbag (SRS) warning light stays on after the engine starts

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 buckle assembly:Owners paid for replacements on out-of-warranty cars; ask about coverage first. Dealer work. 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

Hyundai

2006–2007 · Sonata
Supported by vehicle data
Hyundai bulletin 15-BE-002 covers B1701/B1706 on the 2006-2008 Sonata, and owners report both buckles replaced over time. Whether it is still current is not verified.

15-BE-002Status unverified
Airbag warning with B1701 or B1706
2006–2008sonata · issued February 1, 2015 · NHTSA 10057849
Bulletin on service procedures to repair an airbag warning with B1701 or B1706.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for B1701 yet.

All Airbags and seat-belt restraints (SRS) codes

Sources and review

2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
Hyundai 15-BE-002: service procedures for an airbag warning with DTC B1701 or B1706 (2006-2008 Sonata) — Hyundai Motor America , February 1, 2015
NHTSA complaint ODI 902668 (2006 Hyundai Sonata) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint ODI 963954 (2007 Hyundai Sonata) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint ODI 931332 (2006 Hyundai Azera) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
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

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Seat belt buckle assembly (pretensioner and its connector)

What to test first

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

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

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