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2013 GMC Traverse SRS Light On with Code B008-05: Wiring Short to Battery or SDM Module Fault?

Model: 2013 Traverse Fault Code: B0085 Posted: 2018-05-13 16:19

I own a 2013 GMC Traverse and am experiencing an issue where the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light illuminates when I start the vehicle. The warning message on the driver information display reads 'Service Airbags'. This fault only appears during startup and disappears after turning the car off and then back on. Using an OBD2 scanner, I retrieved diagnostic code B0085-05, which indicates a wiring short to voltage or battery. I suspect this is not a simple wiring issue because the fault clears with a power cycle—something that typically doesn't happen in a permanent wire short. This leads me to believe it might be related to the SDM (Safety Data Module) module instead. The code suggests either an open circuit or a short to battery in the left front side impact sensor circuit. I'm looking for input on whether this could be a faulty SDM, how to verify reference voltage at the sensor, and what normal voltage behavior should look like during operation—especially since the fault only appears when starting the car. I've checked wiring connections and found no obvious issues, especially in areas where door movement might cause connector disconnection.

Related fault codes

B0085

Comments (4)

Anonymous 2018-05-13 16:55

Code B0085-05: Left Front Side Impact Sensor indicates a high voltage or open circuit. Possible causes include wiring failure or sensor malfunction. Check for reference voltage at the sensor terminal using a multimeter to confirm proper signal.

Anonymous 2018-05-13 18:47

The code B0085-05 is typically associated with an open circuit, not a short to battery—this may be a misinterpretation. Since the fault clears after cycling power (turning off and on), it's less likely to be a permanent wire issue. What should the reference voltage be? This sensor appears to use two wires: one for input signal and one for ground. Is the expected voltage present at the input, with proper grounding at the output?

Anonymous 2018-05-14 11:12

BBBind.com provides a detailed schematic of the SDM and airbag sensor circuits. To troubleshoot, compare reference voltages between good and faulty sensor circuits. The circuit with higher-than-expected voltage may be open or shorted to battery. Note that there is a direct ground path on the SDM side—so a healthy sensor circuit should show input voltage and output grounded. If the sensor circuit fails during startup but clears after power cycling, it could indicate an electronic component charging up initially. Wiring harnesses routed through doors may also open due to door movement.

Anonymous 2018-05-19 14:24

I've observed that the fault never appears while driving—only at startup. And even when I restart immediately after turning off, it doesn't return. This behavior suggests a component is charging up during initial power-up and failing under stress. If I wait 10 minutes before restarting, the fault reappears. This points to an electronic component that may be degrading or experiencing internal breakdown during the first power cycle. A quick power cycle prevents full charge buildup, while longer idle times allow it to 'bleed down'—leading to a consistent fault upon restart.