Bulletin No.: 12-09-41-002C
Date: Feb-2016

Subject:

Passenger Presence System (PPS) May Command Seat Belt Reminder Chime and Passenger Airbag
Indicator On or set DTC B101D When Electronic Devices or Conductive Objects are Placed on Front
Passenger Seat

Models:

2012-2016 Buick Verano
2013-2016 Buick Enclave, LaCrosse, Regal
2013-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, SRX, XTS
2014 Cadillac ELR
2016 Cadillac ELR
2012-2016 Chevrolet Cruze
2013-2016 Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu, Traverse, Volt
2014-2016 Chevrolet Impala, Impala Limited, Caprice PPV, SS
2013-2016 GMC Acadia, Terrain

Attention:

This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export vehicles.

This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2016 Model Year and information on setting DTC B101D. Please discard Corporate
Bulletin Number 12-09-41-002B.
Some customers may comment about 5 slow chimes, with no obvious reason. If the customer would check the PPS display, they would notice the passenger
seat belt indicator is illuminated.
Dealers should be aware that when certain conductive objects are placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger airbag indicator may illuminate. The
seat belt reminder light/chime may also be activated.
Examples of objects that could enable the airbag include:

•

Computers, Electronic Tablets

•

Power Inverters and Portable Power Devices

•

Charging and Audio Cables

•

Cell Phones

•

Tech 2®

•

Large Container of Liquid

•

Groceries

An electronic device does not necessarily need to be turned on to cause this condition.
Because this vehicle is equipped with low risk passenger airbags, the PPS system is designed to turn the airbag on for most front seat occupants and turn the
airbag off for small children in child seats. The system works by detecting the capacitance of the object on the seat, not the objects weight; and certain
conductive objects will enable the airbag. The passenger seat belt reminder system is active when the passenger airbag is on.

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In some rare cases when a laptop (connected/charging with a power inverter connected through the 12V vehicle power outlet) is placed on the passenger seat
the capacitance reading may exceed PPS device limits resulting in DTC B101D setting in the PPS module and illuminating the Service Airbag Message on the
DIC. Once the charging device is removed, the B101D DTC will go to history. The PPS system should be replaced regardless if DTC B101D is set current or
history. It is not possible to tell the difference between electrical device interference and a qualified ECU hardware fault. If B101D is set as history, replace the
PPS system and discuss with the customer the fact that electronic devices may interfere with the PPS system.
For additional information regarding the "capacitance monitoring" style of Passenger Presence (PPS) system for the vehicles listed in this bulletin:
–

in the U.S., refer to GM Training video 10212.01D (January 2012 Emerging Issues) and course number 22048.42W (Safety Systems 1) and 22048.31T
(Occupant Safety Systems Diagnostics) at www.centerlearning.com.

–

in Canada, refer to GM Training video 52012.03V (TAC TALK for March 2012) and course number 22048.42W (Safety Systems 1) on LMS.

Customer Information
Please advise the customer to avoid placing the electronic device or conductive object in the front passenger seat in the future to eliminate unwanted activation
of the seatbelt reminder light/chime.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may
occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools,
safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that
your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

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