Service Bulletin

File in Section:

09 - Restraints

Bulletin No.:

12-09-41-002A

Date:

June, 2013

INFORMATION
Subject:

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

Models:

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

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2014 model year and update the models. Please
discard Corporate Bulletin Number 12-09-41-002.

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
• 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.
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.
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