AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0081 2015 Chevrolet Silverado

B0081 2015 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 2015 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 739

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 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Silverado - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — B0081 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Passenger Presence Module Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0081 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0081 2015 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0081 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of a Passenger Presence Module malfunction in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0081?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying on, the airbag system not deploying properly in an accident, and a message indicating a passenger airbag issue on the dashboard.

2. What are the possible causes of the Passenger Presence Module malfunction code B0081 in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

3. How can I diagnose the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with code B0081?

- Diagnosing the issue involves using a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve the specific trouble code (B0081), inspecting the wiring and connections related to the Passenger Presence Module, and testing the module for proper functioning.

4. Can I drive my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with the Passenger Presence Module malfunction code B0081?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with a malfunctioning Passenger Presence Module as it can compromise the proper deployment of the airbag system in case of an accident, potentially putting occupants at risk.

5. How can I repair the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado displaying OBDII code B0081?

- Repairing the issue may involve replacing the Passenger Presence Module, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or recalibrating the sensor to ensure proper functioning of the airbag system.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code B0081 related to the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but it is crucial to diagnose and address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent potential safety risks associated with the airbag system.

7. How much does it cost to repair the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code B0081?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the malfunction, but it may involve parts and labor expenses ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the repairs needed.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the Passenger Presence Module malfunction code B0081 in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

- While some individuals with automotive repair experience may attempt to diagnose and repair the issue, dealing with airbag systems and safety components requires specialized knowledge and equipment, so it is recommended to seek professional help for this repair.

9. Will ignoring the Passenger Presence Module malfunction code B0081 in my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado affect vehicle safety?

- Ignoring the code can compromise the proper functioning of the airbag system, potentially leading to non-deployment or improper deployment of airbags in case of an accident, which may increase the risk of injury to occupants.

10. How long does it take to repair the Passenger Presence Module malfunction in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado showing OBDII code B0081?

- The repair time can vary depending on the specific issue causing the malfunction, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a professional technician to diagnose, repair, and test the Passenger Presence Module system thoroughly.