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 39: Passenger Presence System Internal Electronic Failure

DTC B0081 3A: Passenger Presence System Incorrect Component Installed

DTC B0081 71: Passenger Presence System Invalid Serial Data Received

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

PPS Module Serial Data

B0081 71

B0081 71

B0081 71

B0081 71

B0081 71

PPS Module Ground

--

B0081 71

B0081 71

--

--

PPS Module Ignition Voltage

--

B0081 71

B0081 71

--

--

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the passenger presence system (PPS) module and the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) perform a series of self diagnostic tests critical to correct system operation. The SDM will establish communication with the PPS and request the PPS module 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 module to send the PPS verification ID. The PPS module will transmit the verification ID to the SDM. The SDM compares 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, DTC B0081 and the appropriate symptom byte sets.

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 39

The SDM has received a NOK message from the PPS module.

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 71

The SDM has received invalid serial data or no serial data from the PPS module.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SDM requests the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator and display the message "Service Air Bag".
    • 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 have been 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 Verification

  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, verify no PPS DTCs are set. Refer to Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures.
  4. If any PPS DTCs are set as current or history, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: Refer to SIR Service Precautions.

When removing the connectors, inspect for terminal damage or corrosion. Inspect the connector body for damage to the locators that disengage the shorting bars when connected. Damage or corrosion to the following components requires repair or replacement of the affected component/connector:

   • PPS module and sensor
   • SDM module
   • SDM wiring harness connector

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the PPS module.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less then 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal D and ground.
  3. If greater then the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. 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.
  6. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the SDM.
  7. Ignition ON, test for less than 1-volt between the PPS serial data circuit terminal B and SDM harness connector terminal 60.
  8. If greater than the specified range, test the circuit for a short to voltage.
  9. Test for infinite resistance between the PPS serial data circuit terminal B and ground.
  10. If less than the specified value, test the circuit for a short to ground.
  11. Test for less than 1 ohm between the PPS serial data circuit terminal B and SDM harness connector terminal 60.
  12. If greater than the specified range, test the circuit for an open/high resistance.
  13. If all circuits test normal, replace the PPS module.

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