GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The passenger deployment loop consists of the dual stage inflatable restraint instrument panel module (IPM), and the IPM high and low circuits for both stages 1 and 2. Two shorting bars used within the IPM connector short together both the IPM stage 1 high and low circuits, and the IPM stage 2 high and low circuits when the connector is disconnected. This helps to prevent unwanted deployment of the inflator module during servicing. During a frontal crash of sufficient force the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) allows current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the IPM. 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 in memory.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC B0012 Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Stage 2) Resistance Low
    • DTC B0013 Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Stage 2) Open
    • DTC B0014 Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Stage 2) Voltage Out of Range
    • DTC B0016 Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Single Stage or Stage 1) Resistance Low
    • DTC B0017 Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Single Stage or Stage 1) Open
    • DTC B0018 Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Single Stage or Stage 1) Voltage Out of Range

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition 1 voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • DTC B0012 in stage 2 or B0016 in stage 1 will set when the IPM deployment loop resistance is less than 1.3 ohms for 500 milliseconds.
    • DTC B0013 stage 2 or B0017 in stage 1 will set when one of the following conditions occurs:
       - IPM high circuit is less than 2.4 volts and the IPM deployment loop is more than 6 ohms for 500 milliseconds.
       - IPM deployment loop resistance is more than 4.8 ohms for 500 milliseconds.
    • DTC B0014 in stage 2 or B0018 in stage 1 will set when one of the following conditions occur:
       - IPM high and/or low circuits is short to ground or short to voltage for 500 milliseconds.
       - IPM high circuit is less than 2.4 volts and IPM deployment loop resistance is less than 6 ohms for 500 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON 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

The following are possible causes of the malfunction:

    • A short between the IPM stage 1 or stage 2, high and low circuits
    • An open or a high resistance in the IPM stage 1 or stage 2, high or low circuits
    • A short to ground or a short to voltage in the IPM stage 1 or stage 2, high or low circuits
    • The IPM connector
    • The SDM connector
    • A malfunctioning IPM
    • A malfunctioning SDM

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction. If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests to see if the malfunction is caused by the IPM.

  2. Tests to see what DTCs are present. If DTC B0012 or B0016 is present, test for a short between the IPM high and low circuits in stage 1 or stage 2. If DTC B0013 or B0017 is present, test the IPM high and low circuits for an open and for high resistance in stage 1 or stage 2. If DTC B0014 or B0018 is present, test the IPM high and low circuits for a short to ground and for a short to voltage in stage 1 or stage 2.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Connector End View Reference: SIR Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the instrument panel module (IPM) connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
  3. Inspect the component and harness sides of the connector for the IPM for damage or corrosion that may cause the malfunction. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Does the connector exhibit any signs of damage or corrosion?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. If the component side of the IPM connector is damaged, the IPM must be replaced. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
  2. If the wiring harness side of the IPM connector is damaged, replace the harness side of the connector. Refer to Connector Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

4

    Important: When installing SA9409Z-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool for testing the dual stage IPM, the correct 4-way load tool adapter connector must be used. Failure to use the correct 4-way load tool connector will set additional codes when testing.

  1. Use J 38715-80 Adapter to connect the SA9409Z-A to the harness side of the IPM connector. Use BASE OF COLUMN and PASSENGER INFLATOR connectors.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, request the SIR DTC display.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC B0012, B0013, B0014, B0016, B0017, or B0018 are current?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect and remove both the SA9409Z-A and adapter.
  3. Disconnect the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .
  4. Inspect the SDM connector for damage or corrosion that may cause a malfunction in the IPM stage 1 or stage 2 high and/or low circuits. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

    Important: If scan tool displays multiple codes diagnose the open code first.

  1. If DTC B0012 or B0016 is present, test for a short between the IPM high and low circuits in stage 1 or stage 2.
  2. If DTC B0013 or B0017 is present, test the IPM high and low circuits for an open and for high resistance in stage 1 or stage 2.
  3. If DTC B0014 or B0018 is present, test the IPM high and low circuits for a short to ground and for a short to voltage in stage 1 or stage 2.
  4. All the above conditions refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the IPM. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the SDM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Connect all SIR components.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  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