GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

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

Circuit/System Description

The PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators are used to notify the driver when the passenger presence system (PPS) has enabled or disabled the instrument panel (I/P) inflator module. When the ignition is turned ON, the PPS module will commands both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators ON for 5 seconds. The PPS module conducts tests on the PPS components and circuits while both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators are ON. If no malfunctions are detected, the PPS module will turn the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator ON or OFF, depending on the status of the PPS. If a malfunction is detected, the PPS module will store a DTC, default the PPS to the OFF state, and communicate with the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) that a DTC has been set. The SDM will request the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON to notify the driver of a malfunction.

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 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 IPC module
       • The PPS module
       • The SDM module
       • The IPC module wiring harness connector
       • The PPS module wiring harness connector
       • The SDM wiring harness connector

  1. Using the scan tool, go to Body and Accessories, then go onward to Special Functions to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), and then go to Display Test. In the Display Test mode you can turn ON or OFF all the instrument panel indicators when commanded ON. Commanded the IPC indicators ON. The PPS indicators should turn ON.
  2. If the passenger AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator does not turn ON, remove the connector from the PPS indicator display.
    • On the PPS connector, test and repair the passenger AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator voltage circuit for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. If any of these conditions are found, make the appropriate repair.
    • Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit and passenger AIR BAG OFF indicator control circuit on the passenger AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator connector. With the passenger seat empty, use a scan tool to command the display test. Verify the test lamp illuminates.
         ⇒If test lamp illuminates, replace the passenger AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator.
    • Remove the IPC connector. Test and repair both ON and OFF indicator control circuits between the PPS indicator and the IPC for a short to voltage, high resistance, or an open. If any of these conditions are found, make the appropriate repair.
    • Refer to IPC replacement in Repair Instructions for connector location.

       Important: The IPC must be serviced/replaced as a complete unit.

    • If passenger AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator voltage, ON, and OFF circuits test good, replace the IPC.
  3. PPS indicators turns ON when command ON then replace the PPS.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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