B1701

Symptoms

• SRS/airbag warning light steadily illuminated on the instrument cluster (pretensioner variant)
• the driver seat belt pretensioner will not fire in a crash while the fault is active. On the Ford seat-switch variant: driver seat recline function inoperative or erratic. No engine or driveability symptoms.

Probable causes

• 1) Loose
• corroded or damaged under-seat SRS connector (the yellow connector under the driver seat) — pins lose contact from repeated seat movement
• broken locking tabs or moisture. 2) Damaged/crushed wiring harness under the seat (objects stored under the seat, repeated seat adjustment stretching the wires). 3) Faulty seat belt buckle pretensioner assembly — internal squib degraded
• giving a permanently high resistance reading. 4) Previously deployed pretensioner after a collision (one-time-use component; code stays until it is replaced and the SRS module reset). Ford variant: faulty recline switch or its circuit.

Diagnostic steps

1. Identify the vehicle make and confirm the correct definition (Hyundai/Kia pretensioner vs Ford seat recline switch).
2. Read the code with an SRS-capable scan tool and note any subcodes/freeze data.
3. Disable the SRS system per the manufacturer procedure before working near pretensioner circuits.
4. Inspect the yellow SRS connector under the driver seat for corrosion, broken locking tabs, loose pins and moisture damage; reseat/repair as needed.
5. Inspect the under-seat wiring harness for crushed, stretched or broken wires from seat movement or stored objects.
6. Check the vehicle's accident history — a deployed pretensioner must be replaced, not repaired.
7. If wiring and connectors are good, replace the seat belt buckle/pretensioner assembly.
8. Clear the code, cycle the ignition and verify the SRS light goes out.