Driver Seat Belt Pretensioner Circuit Short to Ground
The B0216 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Driver Seat Belt Pretensioner Circuit Short to Ground. This is a critical severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $200 - $800 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Airbag light on continuously
- SRS fault code stored
- Restraint warning active
- Multiple SRS codes possible
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- SRS wiring shorted to chassis Very High
- Water damage to pretensioner connector High
- Seat frame chafing SRS wires Moderate
- Pretensioner internal short Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Locate short using wiring diagram
-
Inspect wiring under seat for chafing
-
Check for moisture in connectors
-
Isolate circuit sections
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a short to ground in SRS wiring?
Wire insulation abraded by the metal seat frame during adjustment creating chassis contact.
Can this cause accidental deployment?
Modern systems have safeguards but the pretensioner will be disabled. Get it inspected.
Should I attempt this repair myself?
SRS repairs should be done by qualified technicians due to deployment risks.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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