GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2007 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC 036

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

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, turn the passenger air bag status indicator to OFF. 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 turn 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 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 turn ON the passenger air bag status OFF indicator.
    • The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON via serial data communications.

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

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

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

SIR Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

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.

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

  1. Ignition ON, use the scan tool. Go to the PPS menu, then retrieve the DTCs. Refer to Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures . Verify DTC 036 is set.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PPS module connector. Refer to PPS replacement in Repair Instructions for connector location.
  3. Remove the SDM connector.
  4. Test the PPS communication circuit between the SDM and the PPS for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Verify short to ground, a high resistance, or an open exist.
    5. ⇒If any of the above conditions are found make the appropriate repair.
  5. Replace the PPS.
  6. Use the scan tool to clear all PPS DTCs. Rezero the PPS, refer to Passenger Presence System Rezeroing . Verify DTC 036 does not exist.
    7. ⇒If DTC 036 reset replaced 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