GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) monitors the inflatable restraint front end sensor circuit for front impact detection. The SDM processes the signal provided by the front end sensor to further support deployment of the air bags. The front end sensor is an input only to the SDM and does not directly cause air bag deployment. When the ignition is turned ON, the SDM performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. If a malfunction is detected, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will be stored.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition 1 voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The SDM detects the voltage at the front end sensor signal input is 0.5 volts or less for 300 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SDM disables the front end sensor input.
    • The SDM commands ON the AIR BAG indicator 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

A broken or chafed wire in the front end sensor circuit may cause an intermittent condition to occur. 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. This step tests for a malfunctioning front end sensor.

  2. This step tests for a short to ground in the front end sensor signal circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: SIR Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - SIR?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - SIR

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the front end sensor in-line connector.
  3. Inspect both halves of the front end sensor connector for corrosion or damage. 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 8

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the front end sensor connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor Replacement .
  2. Inspect the front end sensor connector for corrosion or damage. 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 8

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Disconnect the SDM connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .
  2. Inspect the SDM connector for corrosion or damage. 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 8

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the front end sensor. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor Replacement .
  2. Test the resistance between the front end sensor terminals. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Does the resistance measure more than the specified value?

950 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Test the front end sensor signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Replace the front end sensor. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

  1. Reconnect all SIR system components.
  2. Verify that all components, connectors, and CPAs are properly mounted.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  4. 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