GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 system (PPS). The PPS will respond by performing diagnostic tests to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground and voltage within the PPS. If the PPS detects a malfunction, the PPS will set a DTC, communicate with the SDM that a malfunction has occurred, and request the SDM to disable the instrument panel (I/P) module deployment loop. The SDM will respond by disabling the I/P module deployment loop, setting either DTC B0092 or B0098 and commanding the AIR BAG indicator ON. The SDM sets either DTC B0092 or B0098 to notify the driver of a PPS malfunction. The DTCs that the PPS set are non-Class 2 and have to be flashed through the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators located on the inside rear view mirror. 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 the PPS refer to SIR System Description and Operation .

Passenger Presence System (PPS) Flash Code Procedure

Important: When flashing PPS 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 PPS does not have any stored codes.

  1. Empty the front outboard 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 system (PPS) to flash DTCs.
  5. When the PPS receives a valid request to flash DTCs, the PPS will perform the following:
  6. 5.1. Illuminate both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF indicators located on the inside rearview mirror for 1 second.
    5.2. Turn OFF both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF indicators for 1 second.
    5.3. 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.
    5.4. 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.
    5.5. When the flashing procedure is initiated, the PPS will flash all current and history DTCs that are stored. After all DTCs have been flashed, to determine if the DTCs are current or history, the PPS will reflash the DTCs that are stored as current only. Any DTC that is not reflashed is stored as a history DTC.
  7. If the flashing procedure was unsuccessful repeat this procedure. Due to the communication status between the SDM and the PPS module, this procedure may have to be repeated until a successful flashing attempt has been achieved.
  8. Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle to diagnose the DTCs you have obtained.