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Engine-Codes – Generic – B0085:05

B0085:05 Code - Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open

Quick Answer

The B0085:05 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that there is a high voltage or an open circuit detected in the left front side impact sensor of the vehicle. Common causes include Wiring issues: Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring connecting the left front side impact sensor can cause high voltage or an open circuit, Sensor malfunction: The sensor itself may be faulty due to internal issues or damage, Vehicle collision: A previous side impact collision could have damaged the sensor or its wiring. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
B0085:05 indicates Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open.
Common causes
Common causes include Wiring issues: Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring connecting the left front side impact sensor can cause high voltage or an open circuit, Sensor malfunction: The sensor itself may be faulty due to internal issues or damage, Vehicle collision: A previous side impact collision could have damaged the sensor or its wiring.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 11, 2024
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Code B0085:05 Description

The B0085:05 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that there is a high voltage or an open circuit detected in the left front side impact sensor of the vehicle. Side impact sensors are a crucial component of a vehicle's airbag system, designed to detect rapid changes in acceleration that occur during a side impact collision. When the sensor detects a significant impact, it sends a signal to the airbag control module to deploy the side airbags to protect the occupants in the event of a crash.

OBDII Code B0085:05 - Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open
B0085:05 Code - Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open

Common Causes of B0085:05

  1. Wiring issues: Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring connecting the left front side impact sensor can cause high voltage or an open circuit.
  2. Sensor malfunction: The sensor itself may be faulty due to internal issues or damage.
  3. Vehicle collision: A previous side impact collision could have damaged the sensor or its wiring.
  4. Water damage: Water infiltration into the sensor or its wiring can cause high voltage or an open circuit.

Symptoms of B0085:05

  1. Airbag warning light on the dashboard: A common symptom of a faulty side impact sensor is the illumination of the airbag warning light on the dashboard.
  2. Inaccurate airbag deployment: If the side impact sensor is malfunctioning, it may cause the airbags to deploy at the wrong time or not deploy at all during a side impact collision.
  3. Faulty side airbags: A high voltage or open circuit in the left front side impact sensor can lead to the side airbags not functioning correctly.
  4. Impact detection issues: The vehicle may have difficulty detecting side impacts, which can affect the overall safety of the vehicle.

How to Fix B0085:05

  1. Diagnostic scan: Begin by using a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve the specific DTC and pinpoint the issue with the left front side impact sensor.
  2. Visual inspection: Inspect the wiring harness and sensor for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
  3. Repair or replace wiring: If wiring issues are detected, repair or replace the damaged wiring to ensure proper connectivity.
  4. Replace side impact sensor: If the sensor itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced with a new one to resolve the high voltage or open circuit issue.
  5. Clear codes and test: After the repair is completed, clear the DTCs from the system and perform a test to ensure the left front side impact sensor is functioning correctly.

Cost to Fix B0085:05

The typical repair costs for addressing a B0085:05 code can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the specific vehicle make and model. On average, the parts and labor for repairing a left front side impact sensor high voltage/open issue can range from $200 to $500. Keep in mind that additional costs may be incurred if further diagnostics or repairs are needed. It's recommended to consult with a professional mechanic or auto repair shop for an accurate cost estimate tailored to your vehicle's needs. Labor rates at auto repair shops typically range from $80 to $150 per hour, but rates may vary based on location and other factors.

What does this mean?

Tech Notes for B0085:05

B0085:02 Left Front Side Impact Sensor Short to Ground

B0085:05 Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open

B0085:0F Left Front Side Impact Sensor Signal Erratic

B0085:39 Left Front Side Impact Sensor Internal Malfunction

B0085:3A Left Front Side Impact Sensor Incorrect Component Installed

B0085:71 Left Front Side Impact Sensor Invalid Data

Need more information about the B0085:05 code?

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Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

  • Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
  • Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
  • Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
  • Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B0085:05 Code

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  • 2015 Chevy 2500 HD B0085-05 Left Front Side Impact Sensor High Voltage/Open. I have this code and im not sure where to start the truck will not read nything then the iccm fuse keeps popping then after some time the truck will start if i unplug the left front side impact sensor and everything in the door. iccm fuse still pops. checked the pigtail for the air bag sensor and no voltage need help please.

    Reply to Comment

    • At this point, I would stop focusing only on the side impact sensor itself and start looking for a shorted wiring harness or module issue, because a fuse repeatedly popping means something is pulling too much current on that circuit.

      The important clue is this:
      • The truck will sometimes start after unplugging the left side impact sensor and door components
      • But the ICCM fuse still pops eventually

      That tells me the problem may not actually be the sensor — it may be wiring damage somewhere in that circuit.

      On these HD trucks, the first places I would inspect are:

      • Driver door harness in the rubber boot between the door and body
      Very common spot for wires to break, rub through, or short together from years of opening/closing the door.

      • Harness under the driver-side kick panel / sill plate
      Water intrusion and rubbed wires happen there.

      • Side impact sensor connector and wiring
      Look for corrosion, green terminals, or wires rubbed against metal.

      • Trailer brake controller / aftermarket accessories
      Since the ICCM fuse is involved, sometimes aftermarket wiring tied into ignition or CAN circuits causes weird airbag/network problems.

      One very important thing:
      Do NOT apply voltage directly to airbag sensor circuits. The SRS system is sensitive and should be tested carefully with proper procedures.

      The fact that you’re not seeing voltage at the sensor connector is not necessarily abnormal — many airbag circuits use low-current reference signals and are monitored differently than standard power circuits.

      The best next step is:
      • Disconnect the battery
      • Remove the ICCM fuse
      • Inspect the driver door/body harness inch by inch for rubbed or pinched wires
      • Look especially for any wire touching metal or melted together

      Honestly, based on your symptoms, I would bet on a harness short rather than a failed side impact sensor itself.

      The popping fuse is your biggest clue — sensors usually set codes, but they normally do not blow fuses repeatedly unless the wiring is damaged.

      Reply to Comment