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B0081




DTC B0081

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors
DTC B0081 3A
- Passenger Presence Module Incorrect Component Installed

DTC B0081 71
- Passenger Presence Module Invalid Serial Data Received/PPS Faulted

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

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 PPS will respond by requesting both of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators to illuminate for 5 seconds. The SDM will then transmit a request message to the passenger presence module to receive the PPS verification ID. The passenger presence module will transmit the verification ID to the SDM, and the SDM will compare the ID received to data stored in memory. If the data stored in memory does not match the information transmitted by the passenger presence module or the SDM has detects that the passenger presence module has set a current DTC the SDM will then disable the passenger instrument panel air bag deployment loop, set DTC B0081 and illuminate the AIR BAG warning indicator.

The SDM sends a message to the passenger presence module, when commanded by the scan tool to initiate the DTC retrieval process. Both the PASSENGER AIRBAG ON and OFF indicators are illuminated. After the passenger presence module receives this request for data, it will transmit the DTC to the scan tool through the SDM. This data is accessible while the ignition is ON. Do not turn the ignition OFF while displaying passenger presence module DTCs.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Any of the following conditions must exist for 5 seconds:

B0081 3A
* The SDM has received an ID message from the passenger presence module 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 from the passenger presence module.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The SDM requests the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG warning indicator.
* The passenger instrument panel air bag 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 were replaced verify that the correct part numbers were used for the vehicle application.
* If this DTC is set as either current or history it may have been caused by an electronic device. If an electronic device (Computers, MP3 Players, Cell Phones, Diagnostic Scan Tool, etc.) was placed on the passenger seat the passenger presence module may command the passenger air bag indicator to turn on and/or command the passenger seat belt indicator to turn on. Make sure there are no objects on the passenger seat and clear the DTCs. If this DTC resets then perform this diagnostic. If the DTC does not reset there is no further work needed on the passenger presence system.
* If this DTC is set as either current or history it may have been caused by an aftermarket seat heater. The aftermarket seat heater may command the passenger air bag indicator to turn on and/or command the passenger seat belt indicator to turn on. Remove the aftermarket seat heater from the passenger seat and clear the DTCs. If this DTC resets then perform this diagnostic. If the DTC does not reset there is no further work needed on the passenger presence system.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics ([1][2]Air Bag Systems)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

SIR System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for scan tool information

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.


* Passenger presence module

* SDM

* Passenger presence module wiring harness connector

* SDM wiring harness connector


1. Ignition ON, verify the PPS illuminates the PPS ON/OFF indicators.

• If the Passenger Air Bag ON/OFF status indicator does not illuminate, refer to Air Bag Indicator Circuit Malfunction Air Bag Indicator Circuit Malfunction.

2. Ignition ON, with the scan tool. Retrieve the DTCs, refer to Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures (Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures). Verify no passenger presence module DTCs are set.

• If the passenger presence module has any current or history DTCs stored, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle).

3. Verify that the correct passenger presence module was installed into the vehicle.

• If the wrong passenger presence module was installed then replace with the correct passenger presence module.

4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at passenger presence module.
5. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 5 and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance.

6. Ignition ON, engine ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition voltage circuit terminal 9 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the passenger presence module.

7. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the SDM.
8. Test for less than 1.0 ohm along the passenger presence sensor serial data circuit terminal 18 to terminal 60.

• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance.

9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the SDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for passenger presence module and SDM replacement, setup, and programming

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