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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC 036 : Communication Fault

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Serial Data

B0081, 036

B0081, 036

B0081, 036

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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 the PPS module will set DTC 036. The PPS module illuminates the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator and notifies the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) that a fault is present when the DTC sets. The SDM will set DTC B0081 indicating a PPS fault and request the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator. The SDM will also disable the deployment of the I/P inflator 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.
    • Battery voltage outside the range of 8-18 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PPS will set a DTC 036 and communicate to the SDM that a PPS DTC has set.
    • The PPS will also set DTC 056 indicating that a PPS internal system fault has occurred. DTC 052 will remain current until the rezeroing procedure has been successfully performed.
    • The SDM will set DTC B0081.
    • The SDM disables the I/P inflator module deployment loop.
    • The PPS will illuminate the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator.
    • The SDM requests the IPC to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator and display the message "Service Air Bag."

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.

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

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

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the SDM and the X1 harness connector at the PPS module.
  2. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 volt between the serial data circuit terminal 60 at the SDM harness connector and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the serial data circuit for short to voltage.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the serial data circuit terminal 60 at the SDM harness connector and ground.
  5. If not specified value, test the serial data circuit for short to ground.
  6. Test for less than 2 ohms between the serial data circuit terminal 60 at the SDM harness connector and the serial data circuit terminal 5 at the X1 harness connector at the PPS module.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the serial data circuit for an open/high resistance.
  8. Replace the PPS and perform the PPS Rezeroing procedure. Refer to Passenger Presence System Rezeroing.
  9. Ignition ON, verify DTC 036 is not set as current. Refer to Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures.
  10. If DTC 036 is set as current replace 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