GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

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

DTC Descriptor

DTC B1369: RF Pretensioner Deployment Loop Short to Ground

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Seat Belt Pretensioner - RF High Circuit

B1369

B1367

B1367

B1370

B1368

Seat Belt Pretensioner - RF Low Circuit

B1369

B1367

B1367

B1370

B1368

Circuit/System Description

During a side or frontal crash of sufficient force the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the seat belt pretensioner - RF. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. A shorting bar used within the seat belt pretensioner - RF connector which will short together both seat belt pretensioner - RF high and low circuits when the connector is disconnected. This will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the inflator module during servicing.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The seat belt pretensioner - RF high and/or low circuit is short to ground.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON.

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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

SIR Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component 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 seat belt pretensioner
       • The SDM module
       • The SDM wiring harness connector

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the seat belt pretensioner - RF in-line connector.
  2. Disconnect the SDM connector. Refer to SDM replacement in Repair Instructions for connector location.
  3. Test the high and low circuits between the SDM and seat belt pretensioner - RF for a short to ground. Verify that a short to ground does not exist.
  4. If the above condition is found make the appropriate repair.
  5. If all circuits test normal then replace the SDM.
  6. Ignition ON, use a scan tool to observe the SIR DTC display. Verify DTC B1369 is set current.
  7. Replace the seat belt pretensioner - RF.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for SDM replacement, setup, and programming