GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Prizm 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC B0138

Circuit Description

The seat belt pretensioner deployment loop consists of a seat belt pretensioner, the seat belt pretensioner - high and seat belt pretensioner - low circuits. A shorting bar is used in the seat belt pretensioner connector which will short together the seat belt pretensioner - high and seat belt pretensioner - low circuits when the connector is disconnected, this will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the pretensioner during servicing. When the ignition is turned ON, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. If a malfunction is detected, a DTC will be stored.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition 1 Voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The SDM detects a short to voltage in the seat belt pretensioner - LF deployment loop.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The SDM commands the AIR BAG indicator to flash.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the scan tool Clear DTCs function is used.

Diagnostic Aids

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction.

The following are possible causes of the malfunction:

    • A short to voltage in the seat belt pretensioner - left - high or the seat belt pretensioner - left - low circuits
    • A malfunctioning seat belt pretensioner
    • An internal SDM malfunction

If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests to see if the malfunction is caused by the seat belt pretensioner.

    2.

  2. Tests for a short to voltage in the Seat Belt Pretensioner High and Seat Belt Pretensioner Low circuits.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: SIR Schematics

1

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check - SIR?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - SIR

2

Is DTC B0138 set as a current DTC?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the seat belt pretensioner - LF connector.
  3. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the seat belt pretensioner - left - high and the seat belt pretensioner - left - low circuits on the harness side of the seat belt pretensioner - LF connector.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Use the scan tool in order to Clear the DTCs.
  6. With the scan tool, request the SIR DTC display.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC B0138 is current?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Test the Seat Belt Pretensioner - Left - High and the Seat Belt Pretensioner - Left - Low circuits for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the Seat Belt Retractor - LF. Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 7

--

6

Replace the SDM. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 7

--

7
  1. Reconnect all SIR components.
  2. Verify that all components, connectors and CPAs are properly mounted.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to Clear the DTCs.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK