GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Door Latch System Components

    • Remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR)--GMLAN device that provides passive keyless entry status information to the DDM and PDM
    • Driver door module (DDM)--GMLAN device that receives door handle switch inputs and controls the power door latches
    • Passenger door module (PDM)--GMLAN device that receives door handle switch inputs and controls the power door latches
    • Door handle assembly--Includes the lift handle and unlatch enable switches on the driver and front
    • Power door latches--Electrically operated door latches in the driver and front passenger doors
    • DRIVER DR MOD 10 A fuse
    • FRT PASS DR MOD 15 A fuse

Power Door Latch Controls

Control of the power door latches is dependent on the door lock status. If the status of the door lock system is UNLOCK, the power door latches will electrically release after lifting the exterior door handle. If the status of the door lock system is LOCK, one of the following inputs will be required before the latch will release:

    • A door unlock switch activation
    • A door key cylinder unlock switch activation
    • An active keyless entry unlock command
    • A passive keyless entry unlock command message is received by the DDM or PDM from the RCDLR

Once any of the above inputs has been received, the power door latches will electrically release after lifting the exterior door handle.

The interior door handles provide a mechanical link between the handle and the latch and requires no electrical inputs or outputs to release the door latch.

For further information on the power door lock status, refer to Power Door Locks Description and Operation . For further information on the active and passive keyless entry system, refer to Keyless Entry System Description and Operation .

Power Door Latch Unlatch Operation

When either exterior door handle is lifted, switched ground signals are sent to the DDM or PDM and the RCDLR through the LF or RF door handle switch signal circuits. Upon receipt of these inputs, the DDM or PDM and the RCDLR will check the door lock status of the system as described above. Once the enable criteria has been met, the DDM or PDM will supply power and ground to door latch control circuits and the door will release.

Door Ajar Indicator Operation

The individual door control modules each receive a discrete input from there respective door ajar switch signal circuits. The door ajar switches are integral to each door latch assembly. When a door is opened, the normally open door ajar switch closes. With the door ajar switch closed, ground is provided to the door ajar switch signal circuit. The door control module interprets this and communicates via GMLAN serial data with the instrument panel cluster (IPC). When a door is open/ajar and the vehicle is in any gear other than PARK, the driver information center (DIC) will display DOOR AJAR for the appropriate door that is opened. If the door is still ajar and the vehicles speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph) the door control module will send a GMLAN serial data message to the IRC requesting 5 chimes to sound.