AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction

Quick Answer

When the ignition is turned ON, the Passenger Presence Module and the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module perform tests to diagnose critical malfunctions within itself. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Presence Module, Passenger Presence Module harness is open or shorted, Passenger Presence Module circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Passenger Presence Module Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Presence Module, Passenger Presence Module harness is open or shorted, Passenger Presence Module circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 633

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 18, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the Passenger Presence Module and the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module perform tests to diagnose critical malfunctions within itself. When the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module has completed the power-up mode, the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will establish communication with the Passenger Presence Module. The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will also request the instrument panel cluster to illuminate both of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators for 5 seconds. If the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module detect that the Passenger Presence Module has set a current Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module will then disable the passenger instrument panel air bag deployment loop, set DTC B0081, and illuminate the AIR BAG indicator. The DTC will be set when the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module has a general fault present.

OBDII Code B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Faulty Passenger Presence Module
Passenger Presence Module harness is open or shorted
Passenger Presence Module circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

How to Fix the DTC B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B0081:00 Passenger Presence Module Malfunction (sets in the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module)
B0081:11 Passenger Presence Module Above Threshold (Build Check Failure) (sets in the Passenger Presence Module)
B0081:3A Passenger Presence Module Incorrect Component Installed (sets in the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module)
B0081:4B Passenger Presence Module Calibration Not Learned (sets in the Passenger Presence Module)
B0081:5A Passenger Presence Module Plausibility Failure (sets in the Passenger Presence Module)
B0081:71 Passenger Presence Module Invalid Serial Data Received (sets in Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module)

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B0081 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0081?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated, the passenger airbag being disabled, and an error code B0081 being stored in the vehicle's computer system.

2. What causes the Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The most common cause of the PPM malfunction is a fault within the module itself, usually due to a failure of the sensor or wiring issues.

3. How serious is a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

A PPM malfunction is a serious issue as it can result in the passenger airbag not deploying in the event of a crash, potentially putting the passenger at risk.

4. Can I continue to drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with the OBDII code B0081 without fixing the issue?

It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with a PPM malfunction, as it compromises the safety of the passenger in the event of a collision.

5. How can I repair a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairing a PPM malfunction typically involves diagnosing the exact cause of the issue, which may require professional help to replace the faulty sensor or repair any wiring problems.

6. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

While basic troubleshooting like checking for loose connections or damaged wiring can be done, diagnosing and repairing a PPM malfunction often requires specialized tools and expertise.

7. How much does it cost to repair a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of repairing a PPM malfunction can vary depending on the specific issue, but it generally involves replacing the faulty sensor or repairing the wiring, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code B0081 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado make the airbag system work properly?

Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the PPM malfunction. It is crucial to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure the airbag system functions correctly.

9. Can a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction be prevented in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

While some PPM malfunctions may be unavoidable due to component failure, regular vehicle maintenance and inspections can help detect issues early and prevent potential failures.

10. How long does it take to repair a Passenger Presence Module (PPM) malfunction in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the malfunction and the availability of parts. In general, it may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and repair a PPM issue in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.