Passenger Presence Detection System (If Equipped) and Passenger Air Bag Indicator

The passenger presence detection system (PPS) is used to monitor the type of occupant that is sitting in the front passenger seat and communicate the status to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module then uses this information to determine whether to enable or suppress the deployment of the passenger instrument panel air bag. The passenger presence detection system consists of an electronic control module, a sensor mat in the seat, a harness, and PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The passenger presence detection system transmits and receives a low-level electric field. The measured capacitance value of this field is used to determine the type of occupant sitting in the front passenger seat. If the measured capacitance is less than a calibrated value, then the passenger presence module will send a hard wire signal to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module to disable the passenger instrument panel air bag. If the measured capacitance is greater than a calibrated value, then the passenger presence module will send a serial data signal to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module to enable the passenger instrument panel air bag. The passenger presence detection system module will notify the customer of the enable/disable status by illuminating one of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator. The passenger presence detection system monitors itself for faults and will displays diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) on the scan tool. When a fault is detected, the passenger presence module sends out a message to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module responds by sending a command message to the instrument panel cluster to illuminate the SIR system AIR BAG indicator.