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: Deployment Commanded

DTC B0053: Deployment Commanded with Loop DTCs Present

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 deployment loops, deploying the air bags and/or pretensioners causing DTC B0052 to set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0052

    • 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

SDM commands inflators deployment with loop faults present.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SDM will only set DTC B0052 or the SDM sets DTC B0053 along with DTC B0052.
    • The SDM requests the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator.
    • 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 code after 3 consecutive pretensioner deployments or 1 frontal or side air bag deployment. You cannot clear a latched code. Replace the SDM after following the instructions in the diagnostic table.

Diagnostic Aids

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.

When DTC B0053 is accompanied by additional DTCs, other than B0052, repair the malfunction causing the other DTCs before replacing SDM.

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
    •  SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition OFF, inspect the vehicle for signs of inflator module or pretensioner deployment. Verify that the vehicle does not show any signs of inflator deployment.
  2. If any signs of deployment exists, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision.
  3. Verify DTC B0053 is not set.
  4. If B0053 is set along with additional DTCs, other than B0052, repair the malfunction causing the DTCs before replacing the SDM.
  5. Verify DTC B0052 is not set.
  6. If the DTC resets, replace the SDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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