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.

DTC Descriptor

DTC 065: PPS Sensor Circuit Out of Range

Circuit/System Description

The inflatable restraint passenger presence system (PPS) is used to monitor the weight of an occupant on the front outboard passenger seat and communicate the status to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) whether to enable or suppress the deployment of the instrument panel (I/P) module. The PPS consist of an electronic control module, silicone filled sensor pad, pressure sensor, seat belt tension retractor sensor, wiring harness, and PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The silicone filled sensor pad is located under the passenger seat foam cushion and is connected by a hose clamped to the pressure sensor. The weight of the occupant sitting in the front passenger seat is measured as a pressure change within the bladder by the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor sends a voltage signal to the PPS module. If the pressure from the occupant's weight is less than a specified value, the PPS module will send a suppress signal to the SDM to disable the I/P module. If the pressure from the occupant's weight is higher than a specified value, the PPS module will send an enable signal to the SDM to enable the I/P module. The PPS module will notify the customer of the enable/disable status by turning on one of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators located on the rearview mirror. The PPS monitors itself for faults and will set flash DTC if a fault is detected. The PPS will also notify the SDM of a fault. The SDM will respond by setting DTC B0092 and requesting the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition 1 voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PPS detects the voltage at PPS sensor signal is less than 0.05 volt or greater than 4.5 volts for 500 milliseconds.
    • The PPS detects the voltage at PPS sensor 5-volt reference is less than 4.5 volts or greater than 9.1 volts for 500 milliseconds.
    • The PPS detects the amperage at PPS sensor low reference is 25 mA or greater for 500 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SDM disables the I/P module deployment loop.
    • The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator ON via class 2 serial data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • The scan tool CLEAR DTC command has been issued.
    • A history DTC will clear once 255 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

Refer to Passenger Presence System Flash Code Procedures for displaying flash codes.

The following can cause an intermittent condition:

    • A short between the PPS sensor signal, 5-volt reference, and low reference circuits
    • An open or high resistance between the PPS sensor signal, 5-volt reference, and low reference circuits
    • Inspect the PPS sensor signal, 5-volt reference, and low reference circuits carefully for cutting and/or chafing

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

  1. Ignition OFF. Inspect the PPS module and PPS pressure sensor harness connectors for corrosion or damage.
  2. If any of the above conditions are found, make the appropriate repair.
  3. Reconnect all components, and test the PPS sensor circuits for a short to voltage, short to ground or open/high resistance.
  4. If any of the above conditions are found, make the appropriate repair.
  5. Reconnect all components and check for DTC 065 as current.
  6. If DTC 065 is not current, rezero the PPS.
  7. Replace and rezero the PPS. After replacement and rezeroing of the PPS are completed, perform the repair verification.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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