C4 (mk2) - B0096 - Pretensioner Fault

[Be4ns]

Hi guys and girls, I'm really hoping someone can help shed some light on this issue. I have a Citroen C4 (mk2) 1.6 VTr+ 2011 that failed an MOT as it is showing an intermittent pretensioner fault. Problem is it doesn't show up all the time. I hit a bump in the road it sets the fault off. Slam a door too hard (any side), it sets the fault off. I don't even have a clue what resets it. It just goes away by itself.

When hooked up to a diagnostic machine it spits out the error code B0096 - Right Side Restraints (Sensor 1). I've followed advice I have found on this forum and I've had the driver's seat out of the car and gone through and checked every wire for a break, cleaned every connector I could find and adjusted the connections to make a tighter connection to the pins. I've even poked at the passenger side seat for good measure. However no matter what I do the fault always returns when I slam a door closed.

If anybody is able to give me advice on what to check next, I will be extremely grateful. Thank you in advance.

[GiveMeABreak]

There should be more to the fault code than that. You are missing 2 additional 2 numbers after B0096.

It's either a short / open circuit / bad connection or a fault with the Airbag and Pretensioner ECU, but having the full code will help - it will be either 11, 12, 13, 64 or 96 at the end.

[Be4ns]

Ah...I didn't get given another set of digits.

Thinking about it the only other bit of information I got given was "satellite line fault".

Probably doesn't help much. I've been doing a spot of giggling on the Google and found out the pretensioners are attached to the seat belt reel in the door pillar. Time to take a hammer to that I guess.

[GiveMeABreak]

Just be very careful about checking airbag wiring (risk of triggering - especially with a multimeter...). There should be the additional part fo the code and that ties it down to the specific fault:

Right-hand side satellite 1 line fault
8096_11 Short circuit to earth
8096_12 Short circuit to positive
8096_13 Open circuit

Right-hand side satellite 1 present but not configured fault
8096_64

Right-hand side satellite 1 internal fault
8096_96

[wheeler]

The satellite sensors are normally the same at each side, i would switch them right to left & see if the fault moves to the other side.
Please make sure you disconnect the battery when doing this as a knock to the sensor with the system powered up can detonate the devices.

[Neilbain50]

I had same fault. Stripped out seats and checked all plugs and wiring. Then removed centre consol and all carpets and checked wiring right into airbag Ecu which is below centre console between gear lever and handbrake but all OK.
Swapped seat belt reel with pretension but still faulty.
Then I swapped out the crash sensor which is bolted to the door centre pillar right behind the seat belt reel. This swapped the failt from right side to left side. Swapped back to confirm and fault again became right side. Ordered used part from ebay all now ok. Faults cleared