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 B0081 3A: Passenger Presence System Incorrect Component Installed

DTC B0081 39: Passenger Presence System Internal Electronic Failure

DTC B0081 71: Passenger Presence System Invalid Serial Data Received

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the passenger presence system (PPS) and the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical malfunctions within itself. When the SDM has completed the power-up mode, the SDM will establish communication with the PPS. The SDM will also request the instrument panel cluster to illuminate both of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators for 5 seconds. The SDM will then transmit a request message to the PPS to receive the PPS verification ID. The PPS will transmit the verification ID to the SDM, and the SDM will compare the ID received to data stored in memory. If the data stored in memory does not match the information transmitted by the PPS or the SDM detects that the PPS has set a current DTC, the SDM will then disable the instrument panel (I/P) module deployment loop, set DTC B0081, and illuminates the AIR BAG indicator.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

All of the following conditions must exist for 5 seconds:

B0081 3A

    • The SDM has received an ID message from the PPS which does not match the ID stored in the SDM memory.
    • The SDM has reset the PPS twice without detecting the correct ID message.

B0081 39

    • The SDM has received a NOK message from the PPS.
    • The SDM has not received a message.

B0081 71

The SDM has received invalid serial data from the PPS.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SDM illuminates the AIR BAG indicator via serial data communications.
    • The I/P module deployment loop will be disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

If either the SDM or PPS were replaced verify that the correct part numbers were used for the vehicle application.

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 connectors, inspect for damage or corrosion. Damage or corrosion in the following requires repair or replacement of the affected component/connector:

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

  1. Ignition ON, Verify the passenger air bag ON/OFF indicators illuminate.
  2. If the indicators do not illuminate, refer to Passenger Presence System Indicator Circuit Malfunction.
  3. Ignition ON, use the scan tool and access the passenger presence system (PPS) menu. Retrieve the PPS DTC codes. Verify no PPS DTCs are set.
  4. If any PPS DTCs are set as current or history, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  5. Verify the correct PPS part number is installed in the vehicle.
  6. If the wrong PPS was installed, replace with the correct PPS.
  7. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the PPS module.
  8. Ignition OFF, test for less then 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal D and ground.
  9. If greater then the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  10. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal A and ground.
  11. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the PPS module.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the SDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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