The Passenger Presence System (PPS) on 2009-10 full-size trucks -- Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon Hybrid Denali (excluding Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid), Sierra, Silverado and Avalanche -- is comprised of three components: a control module and sensing mat that are part of the passenger seat assembly and a Belt Tension Sensor mounted in the belt buckle assembly.
The PPS is calibrated as a system and parts cannot be replaced individually. A service kit is available that includes the seat cushion foam, a PPS sensing mat and a control module. Even though the production and service parts look alike, they are not interchangeable. But before replacing any components, here are some service tips to keep in mind when diagnosing the PPS.
DTC B0081
There are several conditions for setting DTC B0081 (Passenger Presence System). Here are the primary causes.
Setting a DTC B0081:5A (in the PPS) will cause a DTC B0081:0F in the SDM. Communication errors will occasionally occur. Clearing codes and cycling the ignition should remove the DTC. If not, follow the SI instructions for active DTCs. Do not replace a part based on a history code only.
Service Tips for PPS
- Verify the customer complaint before diagnosis.
- DTC B1325 (battery voltage out of range) can cause codes in the PPS module. If a vehicle has a DTC B1325, correct the battery voltage issue before diagnosing the PPS module. Once DTC B1325 has been repaired, check for active codes in the PPS module. If the PPS codes are in history only, do not replace the PPS module. If there are active codes in the PPS, follow the service procedures for each DTC.
- Specify whether the front passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp or the SIR lamp (on the instrument cluster) is the source of the customer complaint.
- Pull PPS codes in addition to SDM codes. The PPS codes are available via the Tech 2. If codes are cleared, include that on the repair order.
- Specify if the codes pulled are in history or are current (active).
- Flash codes are not available on the 2009-10 models. DTCs will need to be retrieved using the Tech 2.
- The PPS system for 2009-10 full-size trucks does not need to be re-zeroed. There is no re-zero command available on the Tech 2. The re-zero function is only operational for the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid.
- If you are replacing multiple SIR parts for a single customer complaint, you are most likely replacing good parts. It is very rare that two different SIR components fail at the same time. If diagnosis indicates the need to replace the PPS and BTS or PPS and SDM, please call TAC for assistance.
- If there are multiple DTCs and you are not sure which module to replace first, contact TAC for assistance.
PPS Online Video
For additional information about the operation of the PPS on full-size trucks, a streaming video is available from the U.S. GM Training website. Click Web Video Library from the main menu, then Technical, and then keyword search Occupant. Occupant Safety System Update, 10208.13D (in Canada, 10208.13V), is at the top of the list. To order a copy of the video, call 1-800-393-4831.
- Thanks to Carmen Richmond
The PPS is calibrated as a system and parts cannot be replaced individually. A service kit is available that includes the seat cushion foam, a PPS sensing mat and a control module. Even though the production and service parts look alike, they are not interchangeable. But before replacing any components, here are some service tips to keep in mind when diagnosing the PPS.
DTC B0081
There are several conditions for setting DTC B0081 (Passenger Presence System). Here are the primary causes.
|
Symptom Byte |
Module Setting DTC |
Primary Cause |
Typical Action |
|
0F |
SDM |
System issue with PPS |
Pull PPS codes |
|
3A |
SDM |
Incorrect SDM or PPS |
Replace PPS or SDM |
|
39 |
SDM |
Critical PPS fault |
Replace PPS |
|
4B |
PPS |
Calibration not learned |
Replace PPS |
|
5A |
PPS |
Communication issue with SDM |
Check for connection, clear DTCs |
|
71 |
SDM |
Communication issue with PPS |
Check for connection, clear DTCs |
Setting a DTC B0081:5A (in the PPS) will cause a DTC B0081:0F in the SDM. Communication errors will occasionally occur. Clearing codes and cycling the ignition should remove the DTC. If not, follow the SI instructions for active DTCs. Do not replace a part based on a history code only.
Service Tips for PPS
- Verify the customer complaint before diagnosis.
- DTC B1325 (battery voltage out of range) can cause codes in the PPS module. If a vehicle has a DTC B1325, correct the battery voltage issue before diagnosing the PPS module. Once DTC B1325 has been repaired, check for active codes in the PPS module. If the PPS codes are in history only, do not replace the PPS module. If there are active codes in the PPS, follow the service procedures for each DTC.
- Specify whether the front passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp or the SIR lamp (on the instrument cluster) is the source of the customer complaint.
- Pull PPS codes in addition to SDM codes. The PPS codes are available via the Tech 2. If codes are cleared, include that on the repair order.
- Specify if the codes pulled are in history or are current (active).
- Flash codes are not available on the 2009-10 models. DTCs will need to be retrieved using the Tech 2.
- The PPS system for 2009-10 full-size trucks does not need to be re-zeroed. There is no re-zero command available on the Tech 2. The re-zero function is only operational for the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid.
- If you are replacing multiple SIR parts for a single customer complaint, you are most likely replacing good parts. It is very rare that two different SIR components fail at the same time. If diagnosis indicates the need to replace the PPS and BTS or PPS and SDM, please call TAC for assistance.
- If there are multiple DTCs and you are not sure which module to replace first, contact TAC for assistance.
PPS Online Video
For additional information about the operation of the PPS on full-size trucks, a streaming video is available from the U.S. GM Training website. Click Web Video Library from the main menu, then Technical, and then keyword search Occupant. Occupant Safety System Update, 10208.13D (in Canada, 10208.13V), is at the top of the list. To order a copy of the video, call 1-800-393-4831.
- Thanks to Carmen Richmond

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