GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2007 🢒 Escalade ESV 🢒 Driver Information and Entertainment 🢒 Cellular, Entertainment, and Navigation 🢒 DTC B0081

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

DTC Descriptors

DTC B0081 0F: Passenger Presence System Erratic

DTC B0081 3A: Passenger Presence System Incorrect Component Installed

DTC B0081 4B: Passenger Presence System Calibration Not Learned

DTC B0081 5A: Passenger Presence System Plausibility Failure

DTC B0081 39: Passenger Presence System Internal Electronic Failure

DTC B0081 71: Passenger Presence System Invalid Serial Data Received

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the passenger presence system (PPS) and the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs tests to diagnose critical malfunctions. When the SDM has completed the power-up mode, the SDM will establish communication with the PPS. The SDM will also request the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to command both of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators ON for 5 seconds. If the SDM determines the correct PPS is installed and functioning normally, the SDM will turn the passenger side airbag(s) ON or OFF based on messages from the PPS. The SDM will also send a message to the IPC to turn the appropriate PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator on.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

All of the following conditions must exist for 5 seconds:

B0081 0F

    • The SDM has received a fault present message from the PPS.
    • The PPS is in assembly plant mode and the SDM is in production mode.

B0081 3A

The SDM has received a message from the PPS which indicates a vehicle and PPS mismatch.

B0081 4B

The PPS has failed the rezeroing procedure.

B0081 5A

    • The PPS has lost communications with the SDM.
    • When the PPS has requested the passenger air bag indicator to change states (from ON to OFF or OFF to ON) and the SDM change states message does not match with the PPS message.
    • After the PPS change states, the SDM signal stating the Passenger Status Data Received is not valid within 2.6 seconds.

B0081 39

The SDM has received a critical malfunction message from the PPS.

B0081 71

The SDM has received invalid or no serial data from the PPS.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON, and the passenger air bag indicator to display OFF via serial data communications.
    • The I/P module deployment loop will be disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and there is no activity on the low speed serial data circuits.
    • 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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

SIR Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

    Important: 

       • A DTC B0081 set in history may not clear until the PPS module enters the sleep mode.
       • When removing connectors inspect for damage, corrosion or poor connection. Damage or corrosion in the following requires repair or replacement of the affected component/connector.
       • The PPS module
       • The SDM module
       • The PPS module harness connector
       • The SDM wiring harness connector

  1. Ignition ON, with a scan tool retrieve DTCs from the PPS.
  2. Ensure DTC B0081 5A is not set as current.
    3. ⇒If DTC B0081 5A is current, replace the PPS.
  3. Ensure DTC B0081 4B is not set as current.
    4. ⇒If DTC B0081 4B is current, refer to Passenger Presence System Rezeroing .
  4. With a scan tool, clear the DTCs from the PPS. All PPS DTCs should clear.
    5. ⇒If any other PPS DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  5. With a scan tool, retrieve DTCs from the SDM.
  6. Ensure DTC B0081 3A is not set as current.
    7. ⇒If DTC B0081 3A is current, replace the PPS with the correct part number.
  7. Ensure DTC B0081 39 is not set as current.
    8. ⇒If DTC B0081 39 is current, replace the PPS.
  8. Ensure DTC B1000, B1001, or U0170 is not set as current.
    9. ⇒If DTC B1000, B1001, or U0170 is current, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  9. Ensure DTC B0081 71 or B0081 0F is not set.
    10. ⇒If DTC B0081 71 or B0081 0F is set, Clear the SDM DTCs. No other repairs are necessary.

Clearing DTC B0081

  1. To enter the sleep mode, remove the scan tool, turn the ignition OFF, open and close the driver door.
  2. With the ignition OFF and all doors closed, wait 30 seconds .
  3. With a scan tool, clear DTC B0081. The DTC should now be cleared.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs
    •  Control Module References for PPS replacement, setup, and programming