Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures

Introduction

When the ignition is turned ON, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical malfunctions within itself. When the SDM has completed the power-up mode the SDM will establish communication with the passenger presence module. The passenger presence module will respond by performing diagnostic tests to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground and voltage within the passenger presence module. If the passenger presence module detects a malfunction, the passenger presence module will set a DTC, then communicate through a non class 2 or GMLAN communications circuit to the SDM that a malfunction has occurred, while turning the passenger air bag status indicator to OFF. The SDM will respond by disabling the passenger instrument panel air bag deployment loop, setting DTC B0081, B0092 or B0098 and commanding the SIR system AIR BAG indicator ON. The SDM notify the driver of a PPS or SIR malfunction by turning ON the SIR system AIR BAG indicator on the instrument panel cluster. The DTCs that the passenger presence module set are non class 2 or GMLAN and have to be flashed through the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The procedures below are designed to assist in the flashing of these codes. Before you start, read these procedures carefully and completely. For further information regarding PPS refer to SIR System Description and Operation (Description and Operation).

Passenger Presence System (PPS) Flash Code Procedure

Important: When flashing passenger presence module codes, the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and dash lights will begin dimming on and off. This is normal operation during the flashing procedure and does not indicate additional system faults.


Important: If after 30 seconds of a successful request to flash codes and no additional flashes are observed, then the passenger presence module does not have any stored codes.


1. Empty the front passenger seat.
2. Install a scan tool.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
4. With a scan tool, request the passenger presence module to flash DTCs.
5. When the passenger presence module receives a valid request to flash DTCs, the passenger presence module will perform the following:

1. Illuminate both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF indicators for 1 second.
2. Turn OFF both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF indicators for 1 second.
3. Flash the first number of the DTC using the OFF indicator. Count the number of times the OFF indicator flashes to obtain the first number of the DTC.
4. Flash the second number of the DTC using the ON indicator. Count the number of times the ON indicator flashes to obtain the second number of the DTC.
5. When the flashing procedure is initiated, to determine if a code is current or history, the passenger presence module will flash current DTCs two times consecutively and flash history DTCs once.

6. If the flashing procedure was unsuccessful repeat this procedure. Due to the communication status between the SDM and the passenger presence module, this procedure may have to be repeated until a successful flashing attempt has been achieved.
7. Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle) , to diagnose the DTCs you have obtained.