Encountering an airbag warning light in your 2012 Chevrolet Silverado can be concerning. When this light illuminates, your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics system (OBD2) is signaling a problem within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), commonly known as the airbag system. To pinpoint the issue, the OBD2 system stores Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). This article provides a detailed list of potential airbag DTCs specifically for the 2012 Silverado, helping you understand what these codes mean and guide you towards effective troubleshooting.
Decoding 2012 Silverado Airbag System Codes
It’s important to note that this list encompasses a range of potential codes, and your Silverado might display only one or several. These codes are designed to guide technicians and owners in identifying areas that require attention within the complex airbag system. Remember, diagnosing and repairing airbag systems requires caution and often professional expertise.
DTC B0056: Front Passenger Seatbelt Tension Sensor Circuit
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
This code sets when the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) commands airbag deployment, but the Passenger Presence System (PPS) detects specific conditions related to the front passenger seat:
- The pressure from the occupant’s weight is below a specified threshold, indicating a child or small object, and the PPS signals the SDM to suppress the Instrument Panel (I/P) module deployment.
- The front passenger seat is empty.
- A fault within the PPS itself is detected.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- The SDM stores DTC B0056.
- Accompanying codes like B0052, B0053, or B0055 may also be present.
- The SDM activates the AIR BAG warning lamp, illuminating it on the instrument cluster via serial data communication.
DTC B0057: Side Passenger Seatbelt Tension Sensor Circuit
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
Similar to B0056, DTC B0057 is triggered when the SDM commands airbag deployment, and the PPS identifies these front passenger seat conditions:
- Occupant weight pressure is insufficient, leading the PPS to signal the SDM to suppress the side impact module.
- The front passenger seat is unoccupied.
- A malfunction within the PPS is detected.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- The SDM records DTC B0057.
- DTCs B0052, B0053, or B0055 might also be logged.
- The SDM turns on the AIR BAG warning lamp through serial data communication.
DTC B0074: Passenger Presence System Sensor Signal Circuit Performance
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
This code indicates an issue with the signal from the Passenger Presence System (PPS) sensor. The PPS detects a fault if:
- The voltage at the PPS sensor signal is abnormally low (less than 0.05 volts) or high (greater than 4.5 volts) for at least 500 milliseconds.
- The voltage at the PPS sensor 5-volt reference is out of range (less than 4.5 volts or greater than 9.1 volts) for 500 milliseconds.
- The amperage at the PPS sensor low reference is excessively high (25 mA or greater) for 500 milliseconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- The PPS sets DTC B0074 and communicates this to the SDM.
- The SDM disables the I/P module deployment loop as a safety measure.
- The PPS activates the passenger airbag status OFF indicator to visually alert the driver.
- The SDM commands the AIR BAG warning lamp ON.
DTC B0081: Passenger Presence System (PPS) Malfunction
DTC Descriptors:
This code is further specified by descriptors, indicating the nature of the PPS malfunction:
- DTC B0081 0F: Passenger Presence System Erratic
- DTC B0081 3A: Passenger Presence System Incorrect Component Installed
- DTC B0081 4B: Passenger Presence System Calibration Not Learned
- DTC B0081 5A: Passenger Presence System Plausibility Failure
- DTC B0081 39: Passenger Presence System Internal Electronic Failure
- DTC B0081 71: Passenger Presence System Invalid Serial Data Received
Circuit/System Description:
Upon ignition, both the PPS and the SDM perform self-diagnostic tests. The SDM communicates with the PPS to determine passenger presence and airbag status. The system also interacts with the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) to control the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The SDM relies on signals from the PPS to decide whether to enable or disable the passenger-side airbags.
Conditions for Running the DTC:
- Ignition voltage must be within the range of 9-16 volts.
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
The specific conditions vary based on the DTC descriptor:
- B0081 0F: The SDM receives a fault message from the PPS, and a mode mismatch exists (PPS in assembly plant mode while SDM is in production mode).
- B0081 3A: The SDM receives a message from the PPS indicating a vehicle and PPS incompatibility.
- B0081 4B: The PPS calibration or re-zeroing procedure has failed.
- B0081 5A: Communication loss between PPS and SDM, inconsistency between PPS and SDM messages regarding passenger airbag indicator status, or failure of the SDM to validate Passenger Status Data within 2.6 seconds after a state change.
- B0081 39: The SDM receives a critical malfunction message from the PPS.
- B0081 71: The SDM receives invalid or no serial data from the PPS.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- The SDM illuminates the AIR BAG indicator and commands the passenger airbag indicator to display OFF.
- The I/P module deployment loop is disabled.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC:
- The fault condition is resolved, and no further activity is detected on the low-speed serial data circuits.
- A history DTC will automatically clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles without the malfunction reoccurring.
DTC B1019: System Configuration Error
DTC Descriptors:
- DTC B1019 00: System Configuration Error
- DTC B1019 3A: Incorrect Component Installed
Circuit/System Description:
The passenger airbag ON/OFF indicators rely on signals from both the PPS and the SDM, communicated through the IPC. The SDM setup procedure is crucial after programming, as it verifies the vehicle’s component configuration against the programmed settings.
Conditions for Running the DTC:
- B1019 3A: Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts.
- B1019 00: Ignition voltage is between 9-16 volts, and the SDM setup procedure is initiated.
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
- B1019 00:
- The SDM was programmed with incorrect vehicle options.
- Incorrect components are installed for the vehicle’s configuration.
- Potential issues with the SDM connector, such as bent pins or shorting bars, leading to misidentification of deployment loops.
- Wiring, sensor, or deployment loop faults preventing the SDM from learning a present device.
- Too few components installed compared to configuration.
- Too many components installed compared to configuration.
- B1019 3A:
- Vehicle configured for PPS, but SDM receives a message from the IPC indicating the Passenger Airbag Status Indicator is missing or disconnected (a common cause).
- Vehicle not configured for PPS, but SDM detects a connected Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.
- Lack of voltage detection on the Ignition 1 voltage circuit when the ignition is in the RUN position.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- The SDM activates the AIR BAG warning lamp.
- When B1019 00 is current, all airbag deployments are disabled. This is not the case for B1019 3A.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC:
- The SDM no longer detects the fault condition.
Conclusion
This list provides a foundational understanding of common OBD2 airbag codes for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. While this information is helpful for preliminary understanding, diagnosing and repairing airbag systems is complex and safety-critical. If you encounter any of these codes, it is strongly recommended to consult a certified mechanic or a Chevrolet dealership. They possess the specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, and expertise to accurately pinpoint the root cause of the issue and ensure the proper and safe functioning of your Silverado’s airbag system. Remember, proper airbag system operation is crucial for your safety and the safety of your passengers.
