AutoCodes – GMC – B0081 2017 GMC Sierra

B0081 2017 GMC Sierra 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 2017 GMC Sierra 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 343

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 2017 GMC Sierra 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 2017 GMC Sierra - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — B0081 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0081 2017 GMC Sierra?

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 2017 GMC Sierra?

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 2017 GMC Sierra 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 2017 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0081 2017 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0081 2017 GMC Sierra 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 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of a Passenger Presence Module malfunction in a 2017 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0081?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated, the passenger airbag system being disabled, and potential chimes or messages indicating an issue.

2. What can cause the Passenger Presence Module malfunction OBDII code B0081 on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- The code B0081 typically indicates a fault with the Passenger Presence Module itself, which may be caused by wiring issues, a faulty sensor, or a malfunctioning module.

3. How serious is the Passenger Presence Module malfunction issue with OBDII code B0081 on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- This issue is serious as it can result in the passenger airbag not deploying in the event of a crash, potentially compromising the safety of the vehicle occupants.

4. How can I diagnose a Passenger Presence Module malfunction causing OBDII code B0081 on my 2017 GMC Sierra?

- To diagnose the issue, a professional scanner can be used to read and interpret the specific fault code, followed by inspecting the wiring connections and the Passenger Presence Module itself.

5. Is it safe to drive my 2017 GMC Sierra with the Passenger Presence Module malfunction OBDII code B0081?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this issue unresolved, as the passenger airbag may not deploy in an accident, leading to increased risk for the occupants.

6. Can I repair the Passenger Presence Module malfunction causing OBDII code B0081 on my 2017 GMC Sierra myself?

- Repairing this issue may require specialized tools and expertise, so it is advisable to have a qualified technician diagnose and repair the problem to ensure safety and proper functionality.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Passenger Presence Module malfunction OBDII code B0081 on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the Passenger Presence Module, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

8. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in a 2017 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0081?

- It is recommended to check with a GMC dealership or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for any relevant recalls or technical service bulletins related to this issue.

9. Can resetting the OBDII code B0081 clear the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in my 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue with the Passenger Presence Module, which should be properly diagnosed and repaired.

10. How can I prevent the Passenger Presence Module malfunction OBDII code B0081 from occurring in my 2017 GMC Sierra in the future?

- Regular maintenance and inspections of the airbag system, including the Passenger Presence Module, can help prevent issues like code B0081. Promptly addressing any warning lights or unusual behavior is also important.