GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC 052 : Heated Seat Ground Fault

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

The seat heater mat which is a part of the heated seat system is calibrated as a part of the inflatable restraint Passenger Presence System (PPS). If the vehicle is equipped with a front passenger seat heater, the PPS continuously monitors for faults from the heated seat element. If the PPS determines there is a fault in the heated seat element supply circuit, the PPS will set DTC 052, turn the passenger air bag status indicator to OFF, and notify the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) of a fault in the PPS through a non GMLAN communications circuit. The SDM will then turn the air bag indicator to ON, and set DTC B0081 indicating a problem within the PPS and will suppress the deployment of the instrument panel (I/P) module. The heater seat mat along with the PPS is a calibrated system and must be replaced as a complete unit

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PPS has detected the heated seat element supply circuit voltage out of range.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PPS will set a DTC 052, and then communicate with the SDM via non GMLAN circuit.
    • The PPS will also set DTC 056 indicating a PPS internal system fault has occurred until the re-zeroing procedure was performed.
    • The SDM will set DTC B0081.
    • The SDM disables the I/P module deployment loop.
    • The PPS will turn ON the passenger air bag status OFF indicator.
    • The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON via GMLAN serial data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the scan tool Clear DTCs function is used.
    • A history DTC will clear once 255 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

If there is a fault in the passenger heated seat element supply circuit, the entire PPS system must be replaced.

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

  1. Ignition ON, operate the passenger heated seat. Refer to Heated Seats Description and Operation . Verify that the passenger heated seat operate properly.
  2. If the heated seat does not operate as described in the heated seat description and operation refer to Heated Seat Inoperative .
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PPS module connector. Refer to PPS replacement in Repair Instructions for connector location.
  4. Ignition ON, then turn ON the passenger heated seat. On the PPS connector test between the heated seat element supply circuit and a good ground for voltage. Verify the heated seat element supply circuit indicates voltage.
  5. If the heated seat element supply circuit does not show any voltage then test the heated seat element supply circuit for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open.
    If any of the above conditions are found make the appropriate repair.
  6. Replace the PPS.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for SDM and PPS replacement, setup, and programming