Late strikes from Dean Whitehead and Chris Brown sent the home fans away in a better mood after a dreadful match between two sides struggling at the wrong end of the table.
Barnsley went into the game having conceded more goals than any other side in the division but, in a lack-lustre opening, they more than held their own against a home team struggling to find any consistency.
Black Cats boss Roy Keane switched Dwight Yorke into a central midfield role and, although the experienced former Manchester United striker oozed class, there was no urgency or penetration about the home side's play.
Barnsley, in fact, looked more dangerous with Brian Howard a constant threat although the Tykes, too, were unable to make much headway during a dreadful first half.
Liam Lawrence's low 20-yard drive was easily saved by Nick Colgan and a Brown header flashed just wide while Howard was twice off target at the other end.
Colgan saved in style from Whitehead's overhead kick after Daryl Murphy had headed a Nyron Nosworthy centre across the face of goal and Brown had a powerful shot blocked as Sunderland finished the first half strongly.
Kenny Cunningham clearly hadn't recovered from a hamstring injury and was replaced for the second half by Lewin Nyatanga, signed on loan in midweek from Derby County, Danny Collins switching to central defence and the youngster making his debut at left-back.
Sunderland improved after the break. Yorke released David Connolly with a shrewd pass and, when his shot was blocked, Brown fared no better from the rebound.
Two Connolly diving headers were well-saved and a low drive from Whitehead also brought out another outstanding save from Colgan.
The Black Cats increased the tempo, Keane sending on winger Ross Wallace whose cross enabled Brown to again test the overworked Colgan.
Sunderland were not to be denied however and, in the 81st minute, Lawrence finally made one of his numerous crosses count, Whitehead sweeping the ball home at the near post.
The lively Wallace then took on two defenders before delivering a deep cross for the athletic Brown to rise well and his downward header bounced into the roof of the net to put the issue beyond doubt.