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 Description

The PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators located on the instrument panel are used to notify the driver when the passenger presence system (PPS) has enabled or disabled the instrument panel (I/P) inflator module. The PPS air bag indicators will also inform the driver of any PPS malfunctions. When the ignition is turned on, the PPS module is supplied with ignition 1 voltage and illuminates both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators for 5 seconds. The PPS module conducts tests on the PPS components and circuits while both PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators are illuminated. 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 SDM that a DTC has been set. The SDM will request the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator to notify the driver of a PPS malfunction.

Reference Information

SIR Schematics

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

SIR System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Circuit/System Testing

Important: When removing connectors inspect fro damage or corrosion. Damage or corrosion in the following requires repair or replacement of the affected.

   • Inflatable restraint passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator.
   • Inflatable restraint passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator wiring harness.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the accessory switch.
  2. Test for less than 1.0 ohm between the ground circuit terminal H and ground
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance, if the circuit tests normal and the ignition fuse is open, test or replace the accessory switch.
  6. With the right front passenger seat occupied, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal E and B+.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PPS module.
  8. With the right front passenger seat vacant, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal E and B+.
  9. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PPS module.
  10. With the right front passenger seat vacant, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal D and B+.
  11. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PPS module.
  12. With the right front passenger seat occupied, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal D and B+.
  13. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PPS module.
  14. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the accessory switch.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the accessory switch.
  2. Install a 2A fused jumper wire between the ignition terminal A and 12 volts. Momentarily install a jumper wire between the control terminal E and ground. Verify the ON indicator illuminates.
  3. If the ON indicator does not illuminate, replace the accessory switch.
  4. Install a 2A fused jumper wire between the ignition terminal A and 12 volts. Momentarily install a jumper wire between the control terminal D and ground. Verify the OFF indicator illuminates.
  5. If the OFF indicator does not illuminate, replace the accessory switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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