B0051
Low Severity (Level 1)First Row Center Seat Belt Sensor
B0051 usually means first Row Center Seat Belt Sensor.
Can you still drive with B0051?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $100 – $800
Severity Level 1 — Low
This code indicates a minor issue that is unlikely to cause immediate driveability problems. You can typically continue driving but should have the vehicle inspected at your earliest convenience.
Common Symptoms
- Seat memory settings not saving or recalling correctly
- Power seat won't move in one or more directions
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in module memory
- Fault may be intermittent — code may clear itself and reappear
- Reduced vehicle functionality related to the power seat system
Possible Causes
- Faulty seat motor/module — most common cause, test before replacing
- Damaged or corroded wiring/connector in the power seat system circuit
- Blown fuse or faulty relay for the power seat system
- Poor ground connection — check and clean all related ground points
- Control module fault — rare but possible, only consider after ruling out simpler causes
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($15-127 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $68 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace seat motor/module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-800)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the power seat system fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($4-10 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the power seat system wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-126 diagnostic labor)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B0051 mean?
B0051 stands for "First Row Center Seat Belt Sensor". B0051 usually means first Row Center Seat Belt Sensor.
Can you drive with B0051?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B0051?
Repair costs for B0051 typically range from $100 to $800, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($15-127 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $68 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace seat motor/module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-800).
Will B0051 clear itself?
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