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 Descriptors

DTC B0052 00: Deployment Commanded

DTC B0053 00: Deployment Commanded With Loop DTCs Present

DTC B0055 00: Side Airbag Deployment Commanded

Circuit/System Description

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) contains a sensing device that converts vehicle velocity changes into an electrical signal. The SDM compares this electrical signal to a value stored in memory. When the generated signal exceeds the stored value, the SDM performs additional signal processing and compares the generated signals to values stored in memory. When 2 of the generated signals exceed the stored values, the SDM will cause current to flow through the appropriate deployment loops.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0052 00

    • The SDM detects a frontal impact of sufficient force to warrant deployment of the frontal modules.
    • The SDM detects a side impact of sufficient force to warrant deployment of a side impact module and/or roof rail module.
    • The SDM has deployed the seat belt pretensioner for 3 separate deployments.

B0053 00

SDM commands inflators deployment with loop faults present.

B0055 00

    • The SDM detects a frontal impact of sufficient force to warrant deployment of the frontal modules.
    • The SDM detects a side impact of sufficient force to warrant deployment of a side impact module and/or roof rail module.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SDM will only set DTC B0052, or DTC B0055, or the SDM sets DTC B0053 along with DTC B0052.
    • The SDM commands the AIR BAG warning lamp ON.
    • The SDM records crash data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • DTC B0052 can be cleared if the following conditions are met.
       - Three consecutive seat belt pretensioner deployment events have not occurred.
       - One frontal or side air bag deployment has not occurred.
    • DTC B0052 becomes a latched DTC after 3 consecutive pretensioner deployments or 1 frontal or side air bag deployment. The DTC is a latched DTC and cannot be cleared. Replace the SDM after following the instructions in the diagnostic test.
    • DTC B0055 is a latched DTC and cannot be cleared.

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information.

Circuit/System Verification

Important: The seat belt pretensioners may deploy for impacts that are not severe enough to warrant frontal or side air bag deployment. The SDM is capable of sustaining 3 pretensioner deployment events, or one frontal or side deployment event. After the maximum number of deployments has occurred, DTC B0052 sets and becomes a latched code, which cannot be cleared.

  1. Verify DTC B0055 is not set.
  2. If DTC B0055 is set, replace SDM.
  3. Verify DTC B0052 is not set.
  4. If DTC B0052 is set, clear the DTC and operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. If the DTC resets, replace the SDM.
  5. Verify DTC B0053 is not set.
  6. If DTC is set along with additional DTCs, repair the malfunction causing the DTCs before replacing the SDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Refer to Control Module References for SDM replacement, setup, and programming