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 I/P inflator module. When the ignition is turned ON, the PPS illuminates the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators for 5 seconds. The PPS module conducts tests on the PPS components and circuits while the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators are illuminated. If no malfunctions are detected, the PPS module will illuminate 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 diagnostic trouble code (DTC), default the PPS to the OFF state, and communicate with the SDM that a DTC has been set. The SDM will request the IPC to illuminate the AIR BAG indicator to notify the driver of a PPS malfunction.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

SIR System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information.

Circuit/System Verification

With the passenger seat occupied and unoccupied the inflatable restraint passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator should switch states within 5 seconds.

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.

   • Passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator.
   • Passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator wiring harness.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 1 and the ignition circuit terminal 4.
  7. With the passenger seat occupied and unoccupied the test lamp should switch states within 5 seconds.
  8. If the test lamp does not change state, test the control circuit for an open, short to ground, or short to voltage. If all circuits test normal replace the IPC.
  9. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 3 and the ignition circuit terminal 4.
  10. With the passenger seat occupied and unoccupied the test lamp should switch states within 5 seconds.
  11. If the test lamp does not change state, test the control circuit for an open, short to ground, or short to voltage. If all circuits test normal replace the IPC.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for IPC and passenger air bag ON/OFF indicator replacement, setup, and programming