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 B0074 01: Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor Circuit Short to Battery

DTC B0074 02: Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B0074 08: Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor Circuit Signal Invalid

DTC B0074 11: Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor Circuit Above Maximum Threshold

Circuit/System Description

The passenger presence system (PPS) uses a sensor mat located underneath the passenger seat cushion to measure the weight of the occupant sitting in the front passenger seat. The PPS continually monitors itself and if a fault occurs, a DTC will set. When the PPS detects a fault, it will turn ON the OFF indicator on the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. Then the PPS will communicate to the SDM through serial data communications that a PPS fault is present. The SDM will then suppress the deployment of the instrument panel (I/P) module and then turn the AIR BAG indicator ON.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PPS detects a failure within itself.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PPS will set a DTC, and then communicate with the SDM via serial data communications.
    • The SDM disables the I/P module deployment loop.
    • The PPS will turn ON the passenger air bag status OFF indicator.
    • The SDM commands ON the AIR BAG warning lamp via serial data communications.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

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

Reference Information

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 PPS module wiring harness connector

  1. Ignition OFF, Disconnect the PPS module harness connector.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less then 1 ohm of resistance between the PPS sensor ground circuit and ground.
  3. If greater then the specified range, test the circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the PPS B + circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. if circuit tests normal, replace the PPS.
  6. Reconnect all PPS components and perform the Passenger Presence System Preload Test .
  7. Verify DTC B0074 does not exist.
  8. If DTC B0074 is set, replace the PPS.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for PPS replacement, setup, and programming