Navigating the complexities of your 2012 Chevrolet Silverado’s airbag system can be daunting when the warning light illuminates. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are your vehicle’s way of communicating issues, and understanding these codes is the first step towards ensuring your safety systems are functioning correctly. This comprehensive guide focuses on providing you with a detailed list of OBD2 airbag codes specific to the 2012 Silverado, helping you decipher potential problems within your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
Decoding Common 2012 Silverado Airbag Codes
The following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) pertain to the airbag system in your 2012 Silverado. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it covers some of the more frequently encountered codes related to the Passenger Presence System (PPS) and system configuration.
DTC B0056: PPS – Front Passenger Seat Suppression
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
This code, B0056, is triggered when the Silverado’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) commands airbag deployment, but the Passenger Presence System (PPS) indicates specific conditions regarding the front passenger seat. These conditions include:
- Low Occupant Weight: The PPS detects pressure below a specified threshold, suggesting a child or small object is on the seat, or the seat is empty. In such cases, the PPS sends a signal to the SDM to suppress the Instrument Panel (I/P) module airbag deployment for safety.
- Empty Passenger Seat: If the PPS registers no weight on the front passenger seat.
- PPS Fault: Any malfunction detected within the Passenger Presence System itself.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- DTC Set: The SDM registers DTC B0056.
- Related DTCs: Often, B0056 will be accompanied by DTCs B0052, B0053, or B0055, providing further diagnostic context.
- Airbag Warning Light: The SDM activates the AIR BAG warning lamp on your Silverado’s instrument cluster via serial data communication, alerting you to a system fault.
DTC B0057: PPS – Side Impact Module Suppression
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
Similar to B0056, DTC B0057 arises when the SDM commands airbag deployment, but the PPS signals conditions that warrant suppression, in this instance specifically for the side impact airbag module. The conditions are the same as B0056:
- Low Occupant Weight (Passenger Side): The PPS detects insufficient weight on the passenger seat. The PPS module signals the SDM to inhibit the side impact airbag deployment on the passenger side.
- Empty Passenger Seat: The front passenger seat is unoccupied.
- PPS Malfunction: A fault within the Passenger Presence System is detected.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- DTC Set: The SDM sets DTC B0057.
- Related DTCs: Expect to see DTCs B0052, B0053, or B0055 alongside B0057.
- Airbag Warning Lamp Activation: The AIR BAG warning light is illuminated by the SDM through serial data communication, indicating a problem within the airbag system.
DTC B0074: PPS Sensor Signal Fault
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
DTC B0074 indicates a problem with the signal voltage from the Passenger Presence System (PPS) sensor. This code sets when the PPS detects abnormal voltage readings at its sensor signal:
- Voltage Out of Range: The voltage at the PPS sensor signal is either too low (less than 0.05 volts) or too high (greater than 4.5 volts) for a duration of 500 milliseconds.
- Reference Voltage Issue: The voltage at the PPS sensor 5-volt reference is abnormal – either below 4.5 volts or above 9.1 volts for 500 milliseconds.
- High Amperage: The amperage at the PPS sensor low reference is excessively high (25 mA or greater) for 500 milliseconds, suggesting a potential short circuit or wiring issue.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- PPS DTC Set: The Passenger Presence System (PPS) itself will register a DTC and communicate this to the SDM via serial data.
- I/P Module Disable: The SDM disables the Instrument Panel (I/P) module deployment loop as a safety precaution.
- Passenger Airbag Status Indicator: The PPS will activate the passenger airbag status OFF indicator, visually notifying the driver of the system status.
- Airbag Warning Lamp: The SDM commands the AIR BAG warning lamp to turn ON via serial data communication, alerting the driver to a system malfunction.
DTC B0081: Passenger Presence System Malfunction
DTC Descriptors: DTC B0081 is further categorized with descriptors that pinpoint the specific nature of the PPS fault:
- DTC B0081 0F: Passenger Presence System Erratic: Indicates inconsistent or unstable readings from the PPS.
- DTC B0081 3A: Passenger Presence System Incorrect Component Installed: Signals that an incompatible PPS component might be installed in the vehicle.
- DTC B0081 4B: Passenger Presence System Calibration Not Learned: Indicates the PPS calibration process has not been successfully completed.
- DTC B0081 5A: Passenger Presence System Plausibility Failure: Suggests illogical or inconsistent data being reported by the PPS.
- DTC B0081 39: Passenger Presence System Internal Electronic Failure: Points to an internal electronic fault within the PPS module itself.
- DTC B0081 71: Passenger Presence System Invalid Serial Data Received: Indicates the SDM is receiving corrupted or no data from the PPS via serial communication.
Circuit/System Description:
Upon ignition, the PPS and SDM conduct self-tests. Communication is established between the SDM and PPS after the SDM power-up phase. The system checks for correct PPS installation and functionality. The SDM controls the passenger airbag ON/OFF indicators based on PPS messages.
Conditions for Setting the DTC (Specific to Descriptors):
- B0081 0F: PPS reports a fault present message to the SDM, and there is a mismatch between assembly plant mode and production mode.
- B0081 3A: The SDM receives a message from the PPS indicating a vehicle and PPS component mismatch.
- B0081 4B: The PPS re-zeroing (calibration) procedure has failed.
- B0081 5A: Communication loss between PPS and SDM, or inconsistencies in passenger airbag indicator state messages between PPS and SDM, or failure of the SDM to validate Passenger Status Data within 2.6 seconds after a state change request.
- B0081 39: PPS reports a critical malfunction to the SDM.
- B0081 71: The SDM receives invalid or no serial data from the PPS.
Conditions for Running the DTC: Ignition voltage is within the 9-16 volt range.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- Warning Indicators: The SDM turns ON the AIR BAG indicator and commands the passenger airbag indicator to display OFF via serial data.
- I/P Module Disable: The Instrument Panel (I/P) module deployment loop is disabled.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC:
- Fault Resolution: The condition causing the DTC is no longer present, and there is no serial data circuit activity.
- History DTC Clear: A history DTC will automatically clear after 100 ignition cycles without the fault 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 signal the driver about the status of the I/P inflator module, controlled by the PPS. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) grounds indicator control circuits based on serial data messages from the supplemental inflatable restraints system (SDM). The SDM setup procedure, after programming, compares programmed content against installed components. Mismatches trigger DTC B1019 00 and prevent setup completion.
Conditions for Running the DTC:
- B1019 3A: Ignition voltage between 9-16 volts.
- B1019 00: Ignition voltage between 9-16 volts, and SDM setup procedure initiated.
Conditions for Setting the DTC:
- B1019 00:
- Incorrect SDM programming for the vehicle options.
- Wrong components installed for the vehicle configuration.
- SDM connector issues (bent pins, shorting bars) causing incorrect loop learning.
- Wiring, sensor, or deployment loop fault hindering device learning.
- Insufficient or excessive components installed compared to configuration.
- B1019 3A:
- Vehicle configured for PPS, but SDM receives IPC message indicating missing/disconnected Passenger Airbag Status Indicator (primary cause).
- Vehicle not configured for PPS, but SDM receives IPC message indicating connected Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.
- SDM does not detect voltage on the Ignition 1 voltage circuit with ignition in RUN.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets:
- Airbag Warning Lamp: The SDM turns ON the AIR BAG warning lamp via serial data communication.
- Deployment Disable (B1019 00): All airbag deployments are disabled when B1019 00 is current (not for B1019 3A).
Conditions for Clearing the DTC:
The SDM no longer detects the configuration fault.
Understanding Your 2012 Silverado Airbag System
This list provides a starting point for understanding potential airbag system issues in your 2012 Silverado. If your airbag warning light is illuminated and you retrieve one of these codes using an OBD2 scanner, it’s crucial to investigate further.
Disclaimer: Diagnosing and repairing airbag systems requires specialized knowledge and tools. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional automotive diagnosis and repair. If you are uncomfortable working on your vehicle’s airbag system, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified mechanic. Incorrect handling of airbag systems can lead to accidental deployment and serious injury.
By understanding these 2012 Silverado OBD2 airbag codes, you can be better informed when seeking professional assistance and ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are functioning as intended.
