GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC 036: Communication Fault

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Serial Data

B0092, 036

B0092, 036

B0092, 036

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Circuit/System Description

The inflatable restraint passenger presence system (PPS) continuously monitors itself for critical faults. If the PPS determines that there is a communication fault or battery voltage has fallen below a threshold causing a communication fault, the PPS will set DTC 036, illuminate the passenger air bag status OFF indicator. Then the PPS will try to communicate with the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) through a non class 2 communications circuit that a PPS fault is present. The SDM will then illuminate the air bag indicator to ON, and set DTC B0092 indicating a problem within the PPS and will suppress the deployment of the instrument panel (I/P) module.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PPS has lost communications with the SDM.
    • The PPS receives incorrect messages.
    • The SDM has lost or receive no communications with the PPS.
    • Battery voltage is outside the range of 9-16 volts

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PPS will set a DTC 036, and then communicate with the SDM via non class 2 circuit.
    • The PPS will also set DTC 056 indicating a PPS internal system fault has occurred until the re-zeroing procedure was performed.
    • The SDM will set DTC B0092.
    • The SDM disables the I/P module deployment loop.
    • The PPS will illuminate the passenger air bag status OFF indicator.
    • The SDM requests the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the scan tool Clear DTCs function is used.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

This fault indicates that there is either a communication or battery voltage problem.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

SIR System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

Important: When removing the connectors inspect for damage or corrosion. Damage or corrosion to the following requires repair or replacement of the affected component/connector:

   • PPS module
   • SDM module
   • PPS wiring harness connector
   • SDM wiring harness connector

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the SDM and the X1 harness connector at the PPS module.
  2. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 volt between the serial data circuit terminal A13 at the SDM harness connector and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the serial data circuit for short to voltage.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the serial data circuit terminal A13 at the SDM harness connector and ground.
  5. If less than the specified value, test the serial data circuit for short to ground.
  6. Test for less than 2 ohms between the serial data circuit terminal A13 at the SDM harness connector and the serial data circuit terminal 5 at the X1 harness connector at the PPS module.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the serial data circuit for an open/high resistance.
  8. Replace the PPS and perform the PPS Rezeroing procedure. Refer to Passenger Presence System Rezeroing .
  9. Ignition ON, verify DTC 036 is not set as current. Refer to Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures .
  10. If DTC 036 is set as current replace the SDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs
    •  Control Module References for SDM and PPS replacement, setup, and programming