GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

When you first turn ON the ignition, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical malfunctions within itself. Then the SDM proceeds to continuous monitoring. The SDM contains a resistor network connected to 5 volts, ground, and to the SDM front end sensor feed. The 1.0 K ohms resistor in the inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor parallel to the normally open switch provides a parallel path to ground. This causes a specified percentage of voltage in order to appear at the SDM front end sensor feed input. The SDM monitors this voltage to detect a short to voltage or an open discriminating sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The SDM is configured for an inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor.
    • Ignition 1 Voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.
    • Front end discriminating sensor signal circuit is not shorted to voltage.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Front end discriminating sensor signal circuit is more than 3.4 volts for 500 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The SDM commands the AIR BAG warning indicator ON via Class 2 serial data.

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 255 malfunction free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

The following can cause an intermittent condition:

    • A short to voltage in the front end discriminating sensor signal circuit.
    • Cutting or chafing of front end discriminating sensor signal and/or ground circuit.

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction. If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. Test the resistance of discriminating sensor circuits.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: SIR Schematics

1

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check - SIR?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - SIR

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor Replacement .
  3. Inspect the discriminating sensor connector for damage or corrosion that may cause a short to voltage in signal and ground circuits. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. If the component side of the discriminating sensor connector is damaged, the discriminating sensor must be replaced. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor Replacement .
  2. If the harness side of the discriminating sensor connector is damaged, replace the harness side of the connector. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

4

  1. With discriminating sensor still disconnected.
  2. Test the resistance between the discriminating sensor signal and discriminating sensor ground circuits in sensor connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value?

1050 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the discriminating sensor. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

6

Test the resistance between the discriminating sensor ground circuit and a known good ground. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .
  2. Inspect the SDM connector for damage or corrosion that may cause a short to voltage in the discriminating sensor signal or discriminating sensor ground circuits. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Reconnect the SDM connector.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Use the J 39200 DMM and measure the voltage on the discriminating sensor connector between signal circuit and a known good ground.

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value?

1 V

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Locate and repair the short to voltage in discriminating sensor signal circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the SDM. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Use the scan tool in order to Clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK