If you're trying to solve an issue with the passenger seat airbag sensor using a GM Tech 2 scan tool, here's a step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and potentially fix the problem.
If you're trying to solve an issue with the passenger seat airbag sensor using a GM Tech 2 scan tool, here's a step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and potentially fix the problem.
Common Symptoms:
"Passenger Airbag Off" light is stuck on or off
Airbag warning light on the dash
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to:
Passenger Presence System (PPS)
Occupant Detection System (ODS)
B00xx-series codes (like B0081, B0074, etc.)
Tools You Needed:
GM Tech2 Scanner (with CANdi module if needed for newer vehicles)
Access to Service Programming System (SPS) (optional for resets or module reprogramming)
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Connect GM Tech 2
Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF).
Connect the Tech 2 to the OBD2 port.
Wait for initialization, then select:
Diagnostics
Vehicle year, make, model, and body style
Body Control Module (BCM) or SIR (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint) system.
2. Read DTCs
Navigate to Diagnostic Trouble Codes > Display DTCs.
Record any codes related to:
PPS (Passenger Presence System)
Occupant classification
Seat sensor faults
3. Clear DTCs
After noting the codes, try clearing them.
Then cycle the ignition and see if the code returns.
4. Check Sensor Status
Go to Data Display > SIR Data or PPS Data.
Look for:
Passenger seat occupancy state (Occupied / Unoccupied)
System Enabled / Disabled
Sensor output (often a weight threshold reading)
If the system doesn’t update when someone is seated, the sensor or module might be faulty.
5. Perform PPS Rezero / Calibration
If you’ve replaced the seat sensor or are dealing with a false reading:
Steps:Navigate to:
Special Functions > Passenger Presence System > Re-zero
Ensure:Seat is empty
Vehicle is on a flat surface
Follow on-screen prompts.
Rezeroing is critical after replacing the sensor or seat foam, or if the system loses calibration.
6. Reprogram PPS Module (if needed)
If rezero fails or the module is corrupt, you may need to reprogram using SPS through TIS2000 or a subscription-based ACDelco TDS account.
7. Inspect Wiring / Connectors
Physically inspect:
Yellow connectors under the seat
Harness damage from seat movement
Moisture or corrosion
GM vehicles often have connection issues under the passenger seat. Try cleaning and re-securing them if you see corrosion or loose fitment.
Important Notes:
Never work on airbag systems with the battery connected. Disconnect it for 10+ minutes before unplugging anything.
Never bypass or fake the sensor with resistors — this can be dangerous and illegal.
If your car is a 2007 Pontiac G5 GT, we have specific steps:
With a 2007 Pontiac G5 GT, you’re dealing with a GM Delta platform vehicle (similar to the Chevy Cobalt), and it does have known issues with the Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) and its connectors under the seat.
Here’s a focused guide tailored to your G5:
Common Issue on 2007 G5 GT:
Faulty PPS sensor mat in the passenger seat
Broken or corroded yellow connector under the passenger seat
Loss of PPS calibration (can happen after a battery disconnect or interior work)
Step-by-Step Fix 2007 G5 GT Passenger Seat Airbag Sensor Problem Using GM Tech2 scanner :
1. Connect Tech 2 & Access the SIR Module
Plug into OBD-II port
From the main menu:
Diagnostics → 2007 → Passenger Car → Pontiac → G5 → Body → SIR (Airbag System)
2. Read the DTCs
Go to:
F0: Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Choose F1: Display DTCs
Common codes:
B0081 – Passenger presence system fault
B0074 – PPS sensor failure
B0092/B0090 – Seat weight sensor malfunction
B0083 – Calibration needed or invalid
3. Clear Codes (if safe)
Try clearing the codes with F4: Clear DTCs
If they come back immediately, the issue is active and needs to be fixed before calibration.
4. Perform Passenger Presence Sensor Rezero
Go to:
F6: Special Functions
Then choose:
Passenger Presence System
Rezero / Setup
Follow these rules:
No one in the seat
Keys in the ON position
Vehicle level and steady
No weight or pressure on the seat
It will say something like “Rezero successful” if it works.
If you get a Rezero Failed message:
There may be a sensor or wiring problem that must be fixed first.
5. Check Live Data
Go to Data Display → Passenger Presence System Data
Look for:Seat Weight
Occupant Classification Status
System Enabled/Disabled
The sensor should detect if someone is sitting, or not. If it’s stuck at zero or gives erratic values, the PPS mat is likely bad.
6. Inspect & Reseat Connectors Under Seat
Disconnect battery for 10+ minutes
Look under passenger seat for:
Yellow plug (airbag circuit)
3-wire connector (PPS sensor)
Disconnect, clean with contact cleaner, and reseat firmly.
Pro tip: GM released a connector repair kit (pigtail) because these were prone to failure.
Bonus Tip – Bypass for Testing (Not Permanent!)
You can simulate a good sensor temporarily using a 2.2-ohm resistor in the yellow connector to trick the system for diagnosis only. This is not a fix and is unsafe for actual use.
Summary for 2007 G5 GT:
Step Action
1 Use Tech 2 scanner to scan SIR for codes
2 Check PPS data live
3 Inspect under-seat connectors
4 Try a Rezero if sensor isn’t physically damaged
5 Replace sensor/module if data is bad or calibration fails
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