B0060 is a body-class Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating an abnormal condition detected in a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) input or related body-network circuit. SAE J2012 defines DTC structure and classification, but many B-codes do not map to a single universal component; interpretation can vary by make, model, and year. Treat B0060 as a circuit- or signal-level indication that an SRS-related control module is seeing an out-of-expected-range, implausible, or absent input. Start with basic electrical and network testing to confirm the true fault location before replacing parts.
What Does B0060 Mean?
This explanation follows SAE J2012 formatting and uses the SAE J2012-DA digital annex wording conventions where applicable. SAE J2012 defines how DTCs are structured and provides standardized descriptions, but it does not guarantee a single component-level definition for most body codes.
B0060 is shown here without a hyphen suffix (no Failure Type Byte, or FTB). If an FTB were present (for example -1A or -63), it would act as a subtype that narrows the failure mode or instance (such as a specific input circuit, sensor element, or plausibility condition) while the base B0060 meaning remains the same. This code is distinct as a detected signal/circuit abnormality — a plausibility, range, performance, or communication irregularity — not an automatic diagnosis of a particular sensor or connector.
Quick Reference
- System: Body — Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) input or related body-network circuit
- Type: Circuit/signal abnormality, plausibility or communication irregularity
- First tests: Power/ground/reference, signal integrity, module message presence (CAN/lin) as applicable
- Risk: Safety system may record limited functionality until root cause is corrected
- Repair approach: Test-driven — confirm wiring and network before replacing modules or sensors
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop you may see B0060 stored after a collision repair, after battery disconnects, or intermittently with door or seat repairs. Technicians commonly find loose SRS connector pins, bent terminal tangs, or corrosion at grounding points as one possible cause. In other cases the code appears when a related module loses its reference signal on a body network bus; intermittent CAN or local LIN messages can make an SRS control module flag B0060 as an input plausibility error.
When recreating the fault in a diagnostic session, a handheld scan tool often shows the code alongside freeze-frame or live-data values: erratic input voltages, rapid transitions, or flatlined sensor values. Those live-data patterns guide the next measurement: backprobe the harness for steady 5 V or 12 V reference where applicable, check ground voltage drop while activating components, and wiggle suspected connectors to reproduce an intermittent failure.
Keep notes on what tests alter the code behavior. For example, cleaning a corroded connector or reseating a module plug sometimes clears the code temporarily — that points to wiring/connector remediation rather than internal module processing. Conversely, if all external wiring, power, ground, and network messages test good and the signal remains implausible, the fault narrows to a possible input-stage issue inside the SRS controller, which then requires controlled bench testing or OEM-guided service steps.
SAE J2012-DA defines how Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are structured and provides standardized descriptions in the J2012-DA digital annex. B0060 is a body-area code referencing the occupant restraint/airbag domain at a system level; exact component interpretation can vary by make, model, and year. Confirming the root cause requires basic electrical and network testing (power/ground/reference, continuity, and bus message checks) rather than guessing parts.
Symptoms of B0060
- Warning Lamp Restraint or airbag indicator illuminated or flashing on the dash.
- Self-Test Failure DTC present after ignition cycles or recurring after clearing.
- Intermittent Fault appears and disappears with vehicle vibration or connector movement.
- Communication Loss or degraded messages for restraint modules on the vehicle network.
- Plausibility Sensor values or resistance readings outside expected ranges during diagnostics.
- Diagnostic Access Limited or no Mode $06/DTCS data for specific restraint sensors or loops.
Common Causes of B0060
Most Common Causes
Loose or corroded connectors at restraint system harnesses, poor battery/ignition power or ground to the airbag control assembly, and damaged wiring causing open or high-resistance circuits are commonly associated with B0060. Another common source is intermittent CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN message loss that affects restraint module inputs; this is vehicle-dependent and must be verified with a network sniffer or scan tool.
Less Common Causes
Less commonly, this code is associated with internal module input-stage issues after all external wiring and power/ground tests pass, faulty seat or occupancy sensors, or manufacturing variations in harness routing that allow chafing. Manufacturer-specific configuration or calibration errors can also cause ambiguous B0060 interpretations; confirm with measurements before assuming an internal module fault.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools: OBD-II scan tool with live data and DTC/Mode $06, digital multimeter, lab scope (preferred), wiring diagrams or pin-out reference, backprobe pins or test harness, insulated hand tools, connector cleaner and dielectric spray, continuity/ohmmeter, CAN/LIN bus monitor (if available).
- Record freeze-frame and full DTC details with your scan tool, noting ignition state and any associated network errors.
- Visually inspect related restraint connectors, airbag control module harness, and grounds for corrosion, loose pins, or damaged insulation.
- With ignition on (follow OEM safety steps), verify battery/ignition feed voltages at the module power pin and chassis ground continuity to battery negative using a multimeter; compare to nominal values.
- Measure reference and signal lines (clock, data, or sensor supply) for expected voltages and look for fluctuations while gently wiggling the harness to reproduce intermittent behavior.
- Use an oscilloscope or CAN monitor to check for valid bus traffic and check message counters/IDs for the restraint modules; note any message loss or CRC errors.
- Perform continuity and resistance checks on suspect harness segments and airbag loop circuits (with system disabled per safety procedures); verify no high-resistance joints or opens.
- If sensor or loop resistance is out of range, isolate by disconnecting connectors to locate which subsection shows abnormal readings; document measured values for comparison to expected ranges.
- After repairs to wiring/connector faults, clear codes and perform a road or power-cycle test to ensure the DTC does not return and that live data/Mode $06 parameters are plausible.
- If all external power, ground, wiring, and network messages test good, consider possible internal processing or input-stage issue at the module only after documenting all tests.
- When in doubt, compare live data and measurements to a known-good vehicle or OEM specifications to confirm plausibility.
Professional tip: Always follow SRS/airbag safety protocols: disable the system per OEM instructions before probing deployment loops, avoid static discharge near connectors, and document each measurement — repeatable, recorded measurements are the only reliable way to justify module replacement.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Low cost (minor wiring/connector repair): $75–$250 — justified when continuity, grounding, or connector resistance tests show open, high resistance, or corrosion. Replace or clean the affected connector, repair broken conductor, and secure a poor ground only after a failing electrical test confirms the fault. Typical cost (component replacement and labor): $300–$900 — appropriate when a commonly associated sensor or harness segment repeatedly fails plausibility checks or shows intermittent signal during wiggle testing. High cost (module repair/programming or multiple restraint components): $1,000–$2,500+ — appropriate only after external power, ground, and signal tests pass and the control module shows internal processing or input-stage issues based on bench tests or module self-tests. Factors that affect cost: diagnostic time (lab scope or module benching increases labor), parts availability (OEM restraints components cost more), and vehicle access/time to remove interior panels or seats. Every suggested fix ties directly to a measurable failure: continuity/voltage tests for wiring, resistance/plausibility checks for sensors, and confirmed good external inputs before considering module-level repair or replacement. Avoid guessing; repairs should follow documented test results and verification drives to confirm the fault no longer appears.
Can I Still Drive With B0060?
You can often drive short distances with B0060, but risks depend on the restraints system and vehicle behavior. If the code relates to a sensor circuit or communication fault, safety systems like airbags or seatbelt pretensioners may be impaired or operate in a degraded mode. Drive only when necessary and at low speed to a safe location or repair facility. Prioritize getting the vehicle diagnosed with measurements (voltage, resistance, network frames) rather than clearing the code and continuing to use the vehicle.
What Happens If You Ignore B0060?
Ignoring B0060 can leave restraints protection degraded or unpredictable; the system might disable deployment logic, produce false warnings, or fail to meet crash-protection expectations. Non-diagnostic driving increases risk and may leave you without full restraint protection in an incident.
Related Codes
- B0019 – Occupant Restraint Airbag Circuit Fault
- B0018 – Body Circuit Fault — Restraint Sensor Signal
- B0017 – Body Circuit Signal Integrity Fault
- B0016 – Occupant Sensing Circuit Fault (SRS)
- B0014 – Occupant Restraint Circuit Fault
- B0011 – Occupant Restraint Circuit Fault
- B0009 – Restraint System Circuit Fault
- B0008 – Supplemental Restraint System Circuit High
- B0007 – Supplemental Restraint System Circuit Fault
- B0006 – Restraint Deployment Commanded Too Long
Key Takeaways
- System level: B0060 indicates a restraints (body) circuit or signal fault under SAE J2012-DA conventions, not a guaranteed failed part.
- Test-driven: Diagnose with voltage, continuity, resistance, and network/message checks before replacing items.
- Module caution: Consider module internal issues only after all external wiring, power, ground, and signal tests pass.
- Safety first: Treat restraints-related faults seriously—limit driving until verified safe.
- Costs vary: Simple wiring repairs are inexpensive; module work and multiple component replacements raise costs substantially.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by B0060
- Ford and General Motors vehicles — commonly seen in models with complex integrated restraint modules due to networked sensors and many connector interfaces.
- Toyota and Honda vehicles — often reported in vehicles that use distributed sensor clusters and many seat/airbag harness branches, increasing connector and wiring exposure.
FAQ
Can I reset B0060 myself with a scan tool?
Yes, you can clear the code with an OBD-style scan tool, but clearing does not fix the underlying fault. Only clear after you perform electrical checks: verify power and ground at the restraints module, check continuity in suspect harness branches, and confirm sensor signal plausibility with a scope or multimeter. If the code returns after a drive cycle or during self-tests, further diagnosis is required rather than repeated clearing.
Is B0060 an immediate crash risk?
Not always, but it can be. B0060 flags a restraints-related circuit or signal issue that may degrade occupant protection depending on what the module monitors. You should avoid prolonged driving and get measured diagnostics performed. A technician will confirm whether deployment algorithms are inhibited, inputs are intermittent, or the fault is a non-critical sensor fault allowing limited operation.
What tools will a technician use to diagnose B0060?
A technician will typically use a digital multimeter, lab-grade oscilloscope, scan tool with live data and DTC freeze frame/Mode $06 support, wiring diagrams, and possibly a wiring harness backprobe kit. These tools enable voltage, continuity, and signal integrity checks and confirm CAN/communication frames. The choice of tool is driven by test results: start with simple voltage/continuity checks; escalate to scope and module benching if signals are intermittent or ambiguous.
Can a bad ground cause B0060?
Yes. A high-resistance or intermittent ground can create voltage offsets or noise that produce implausible sensor readings or communication errors. Confirm with a low-impedance ground test, compare reference voltages to chassis ground, and perform a wiggle test while monitoring live data. If ground resistance is elevated, repair and retest before replacing sensors or modules.
How long will a proper repair usually take?
Simple wiring or connector repairs can take 1–2 hours including diagnosis and confirmation testing. Typical component replacements or sensor swaps may take 2–4 hours. Complex cases requiring module bench tests, extensive interior removal, or network troubleshooting can take a day or more. Exact time depends on access, diagnostics needed, and whether external inputs test good before considering module-level work.