Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module
Reference Number:

Make
Buick

Release Date:
Revision:

N15202352

Model
Verano

Model Year
From
To
2012
2016

RPO

November 2016
00

Description

Involved vehicles are identified on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. This
site should always be checked to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs.
Condition

Special
Coverage
Adjustment

On some 2012-2016 model year Buick Verano vehicles, the Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module
wire may have been pinched in the seat trim during seat assembly or servicing. If the wire is pinched
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B0074 (0D or 0E) may intermittently set along with the Sensing and
Diagnostic Module (SDM) setting B0081 (00). The fault and symptoms may be intermittent. When the
fault is active the Passenger Frontal Airbag is suppressed. The Service Airbag System telltale is
illuminated, the Service Airbag System message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC),
and Front Passenger Airbag Status indicator will display OFF. The passenger would not have the
benefit of the passenger airbag in the event of a collision if there was an active fault condition present
at the time of deploy command.
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 6 years or 72,000 miles
(116,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service,
regardless of ownership.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after
November 22, 2016, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor
operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to November 22, 2016, must
be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Correction

Dealers are to replace the Passenger Presence Module. The repairs will be made at no charge to the
customer.

Parts
Quantity
1
1
1
1

Part Name
Airbag Front Passenger Presence Module Kit
Airbag Front Passenger Presence Module Kit
Airbag Front Passenger Presence Module Kit
Airbag Front Passenger Presence Module Kit

Part No.
23294865
23294866
23365609
23365610

Note: Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the GM Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to determine which Airbag
Front Passenger Presence Module Kit to order.
Note: The EPC verbiage for the sensor pad assembly is “module kit” and the actual passenger presence control module
is referred to as a “module.” It is assumed that the “module kit” is replaced as an assembly and the control “module” does
not have to be replaced with it since it is available separately.
Note: A quantity limiter may be in effect.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9900376
9900377
9900378
9900379
*

Description
Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
Airbag Front Passenger Presence Sensor Replacement
Add: Diagnostic Time
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Labor
Time
0.1-0.3
1.0
0.1-0.3
0.2
0.1

Trans.
Type
ZREG
ZREG

Net
Item
N/A
N/A

ZREG
ZREG

*
**

For USA and Canada: Submit the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer in Net/Reimbursement. Submit $20.00
administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

** Submit $10.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

Copyright 2016 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 7

Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module
Service Procedure
Warning: To avoid personal injury, perform a preload test on the passenger presence system whenever you remove or
replace the seat cushion trim. Failure to do so may cause the system to malfunction.
1.

Verify that the airbag front passenger presence sensor requires replacement. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information in SI.


If the airbag front passenger presence sensor does NOT require replacement, no further action is required.
Inform the customer that any additional diagnosis and repairs are not covered under this special coverage.

Warning: Replace the passenger presence system as a complete assembly to prevent possible injury to the occupant.
All the components in the service kit are assembled and calibrated as a unit. Using only some of the components in the
service kit will cause the passenger presence system to operate improperly.


If the airbag front passenger presence sensor requires replacement, replace the airbag front passenger presence
sensor. Refer to Airbag Front Passenger Presence Sensor Replacement in SI.

4502711
Note: Crease observed in tail area from top side.

4505464
Note: Crease observed in tail area from bottom side.
Page 2 of 7

Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module

4505465
Note: Sensor tail observed trapped between seat trim tiedown feature and cushion pad.
2.

Upon inspection of the sensor after trim removal, a sharp crease in the passenger presence sensor in the area where
the sensor tail exits through to the bottom of the seat cushion assembly may be observed.

4520474
Note: When reassembling the seat, take great care to not create a crease in the tail of the passenger presence sensor.
3.

The service kit sensor mat may have come loose from the cushion pad during shipping of the service kit. If this is
observed, re-center the mat on the cushion pad and using the palm of the hand, apply light pressure to re-adhere the
sensor to the pad assembly taking care to not create any folds or creases in the mat (2) or sensor tail (1). Once trim
is re-installed, the sensor mat will retain its position.

Page 3 of 7

Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module

4505466
4.

Be sure to inspect the sensor tail area of the new service part to ensure no creases or other damage exists.

4505467
5.

Ensure that the sensor harness pigtail is fully pulled through the foam and snug against the seat pad to ensure
customer does not have a repeated issue with the sharp crease in the sensor tail.

Page 4 of 7

Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module

4505468
6.

Ensure the sensor pigtail is fully pulled through the seat pad. The white felt patch on the harness should start to be
seen below the surface of the pad.

4520475
7.

Ensure not to pinch the sensor tail in the process of hog-ringing the trim to the cushion pad. When using the hog-ring
gun, fold the trim to the right (inboard) side and apply the four hog-rings located in the center trench in the direction
away from the sensor tail (hog-ring gun aimed towards in-board side of cushion pad).

Page 5 of 7

Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module
Courtesy Transportation – For USA & Canada
Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in a product program and still within the
warranty coverage period. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 6.1.10 – Courtesy
Transportation, for details.
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicle (see copy of typical customer letter included
with this bulletin).
Customer Reimbursement
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to
be submitted to the dealer prior to or by August 31, 2017. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual,
Section 6.1.11 – Product Field Action Customer Reimbursement Procedure (USA & Canada) or local Policies and
Procedures, for details.

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 tools, equipment, 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 dealer for information on whether your
vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 6 of 7

Special Coverage Adjustment
23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module
December 2016
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2012-2016 model year Buick Verano, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2012-2016 model year Buick Verano vehicles, may have a
condition where the Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module wire may have been pinched in the seat trim during
seat assembly or servicing. If the wire is pinched, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B0074 (0D or 0E) may intermittently
set along with the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) setting B0081 (00). The fault and symptoms may be
intermittent. When the fault is active the Passenger Frontal Airbag is suppressed. The Service Airbag System telltale is
illuminated, the Service Airbag System message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC), and Front
Passenger Airbag Status indicator will display OFF. The passenger would not have the benefit of the passenger airbag
in the event of a collision if there was an active fault condition present at the time of deploy command.
Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the
condition as described above.
What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the condition described above.
If this condition occurs on your 2012-2016 model year Buick Verano within 6 years of the date your vehicle was
originally placed in service or 72,000 miles (116,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at
no charge. Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not covered under this
special coverage program.
What You Should Do: If you believe that your vehicle has the condition described above, repairs and adjustments
qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to contact your
GM dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time
that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter
with your other important glove box literature for future reference.
Reimbursement: If you have paid for repairs for the condition described in this letter, please complete the enclosed
reimbursement form and present it to your dealer with all required documents. Working with your dealer will expedite
your request, however, if this is not convenient, you may mail the completed reimbursement form and all required
documents to Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170, Detroit, MI 48232-5170. The completed form and required
documents must be presented to your dealer or received by the Reimbursement Department by December 31, 2017,
unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance
Center at the number listed below.
Division
Buick
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-866-608-8080
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones (TTY)
1-800-832-8425

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your
continued satisfaction with our products.
Terry M. Inch
Executive Director
Global Connected Customer Experience

Enclosure
23520

Page 7 of 7

GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS4268
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

November 22, 2016

Subject: 23520 - Special Coverage
Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module
Models: 2016-2012 Buick Verano
To:

All General Motors Dealers

General Motors is releasing Special Coverage 23520 today. The total number
of U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 185,866. Please see the attached
bulletin for details.
Customer Letter Mailing
The customer letter mailing will begin on December 8, 2016.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen in the GWM system will be updated
November 22, 2016. Please hold all warranty transactions until the VIN appears in IVH.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS