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DTC 036



DTC 036

Diagnostic Instructions

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



DTC Descriptor
DTC 036
- Communication Fault




Diagnostic Fault Information






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 causing a communication fault, the PPS will set DTC 036, turn the passenger air bag status indicator to OFF. Then the PPS will try to communicate with the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) through a dedicated serial data circuit that a PPS fault is present. The SDM will then turn the air bag indicator to ON, and set DTC B0081 indicating a problem within the PPS and will disable the deployment of the instrument panel (I/P) 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.
* The SDM has lost communications with the PPS.
* Battery voltage outside the range of 8-18 volts.



Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The PPS will set a DTC 036, and then communicate with the SDM via dedicated serial data circuit.
* The PPS will also set DTC 056 indicating a PPS internal system fault has occurred until the re-zeroing procedure was performed.
* The SDM will set DTC B0081.
* The SDM disables the I/P module deployment loop.
* The PPS will illuminate the passenger air bag status OFF indicator.
* The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON via serial data.



Conditions for Clearing the DTC

* The condition for setting the DTC no longer exists.
* A history DTC will clear once 255 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

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

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

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

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

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.


* The PPS module

* The SDM module

* The PPS wiring harness connector

* The SDM wiring harness connector




1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the PPS and the SDM.
2. Test for less than 1 volt between the serial data circuit terminal 60 at the SDM harness connector and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the serial data circuit for short to voltage.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the serial data circuit terminal 60 at the SDM harness connector and ground.

If not specified value, test the serial data circuit for short to ground.

4. 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 PPS harness connector.

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

5. Replace the PPS. Clear all PPS DTCs. Rezero the PPS, refer to Passenger Presence System Rezeroing (Programming and Relearning). Verify DTC 036 is not set as current.

If DTC 036 is set as current replace the SDM.




Repair Instructions

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

* SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for SDM and PPS replacement, setup, and programming