Airbag System - Passenger Sensing

General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles. In these vehicles, the right front passenger seat is built with a passenger sensing system. When tested with a representative, unrestrained small adult, the system is required to turn the right front passenger’s frontal airbag on. An error in the seat sensor calibration can cause it to fail this test. In the event of a crash severe enough to activate the airbags, the frontal passenger airbag may not deploy. This could increase the occupant’s risk of injury.

In addition, this condition can prevent the airbag from turning off when the seat is occupied by a small child. In the event of a crash, the frontal airbag could deploy and the child could be killed or seriously injured by the airbag.

The owner manual explains how to use the passenger sensing system. The airbag status indicator displays the status of the airbag. Whenever the front passenger seat is occupied, the driver should always check the airbag indicator to see if the airbag is on or off. If it is not correct for the situation, the passenger should be moved to a different seat. A child restraint installed properly in the back seat is the safest place for children.

Dealers are to reprogram the seat’s electronic control unit (ECU).

Involved are certain 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.

For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided in GMinfoNet Recall Reports. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

No parts are required for this recall.

Some 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and 2007 Pontiac Torrent vehicles have Passenger Presence Systems (PPS) that will require a new calibration.

The Passenger Presence System (PPS) is used to monitor the weight and pattern of an occupant on the front outboard passenger seat and communicate the status to the Sensing and Diagnostic module (SDM) whether to enable or suppress the deployment of the passenger airbag. The PPS consists of an electronic control module (ECU), sensor mat, heated seat element (if equipped), and PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators.

Reprogram the electronic control module (ECU). Refer to the instructions below.

Tech 2 Legacy or J2534 Pass-Thru programming method for the PPS Offset Reset (PPS)

Important: If Tech 2 Legacy or J2534 Pass-Thru programming fails, call Techline Customer Support Centre (TCSC) at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French). A "Candi" module is necessary.

Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GMSPO. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Techline Tech 2® scan tool and TIS 2 Web with the calibration update. Use TIS 2 Web version 8.0 for 2007 (available on 08/07/07). If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Centre at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French) and it will be provided.

Notice: Before reprogramming, please check the battery condition to prevent a reprogramming error of any of the modules due to battery discharge. Battery voltage must be between 12 and 16 volts during reprogramming. If the vehicle battery is not fully charged, use jumper cables from an additional battery. Be sure to turn off or disable any system that may put a load on the battery, such as automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, interior lights, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, radio, engine cooling fan, etc. A programming failure or control module damage may occur if battery voltage guidelines are not observed.

The ignition switch must be in the proper position. The Service Programming System (SPS) application prompts you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. DO NOT change the position of the ignition switch during the programming procedure, unless instructed to do so.

Make certain all tool connections are secure, including the following components and circuits:

DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.

DO NOT turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that all control module and DLC connections are secure and the TIS terminal operating software is up to date.

1. Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 16 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Use an additional jump battery if necessary. Only use approved Midtronics charger or Jumper Packs, etc. to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.

Important: Before rezeroing the passenger presence system (PPS), the front passenger seat must be completely empty of all items. The presence of any items on the front passenger seat will affect the calibration and operation of the PPS. When rezeroing the PPS, the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and dash lights will begin dimming ON and OFF. This is normal operation during the rezeroing procedure and does not indicate additional system faults

2. Reprogram the electronic control module (ECU). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for PSS programming instructions, if required.

The General Motors Courtesy Transportation Program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for courtesy transportation guidelines.

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below:

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear General Motors Customer:

General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles. In these vehicles, the right front passenger seat is built with a passenger sensing system. When tested with a representative, unrestrained small adult, the system is required to turn the right front passenger’s frontal airbag on. An error in the seat sensor calibration can cause it to fail this test. In the event of a crash severe enough to activate the airbags, the frontal passenger airbag may not deploy. This could increase the occupant’s risk of injury.

In addition, this condition can prevent the airbag from turning off when the seat is occupied by a small child. In the event of a crash, the frontal airbag could deploy and the child could be killed or seriously injured by the airbag.

The owner manual explains how to use the passenger sensing system. The airbag status indicator displays the status of the airbag. Whenever the front passenger seat is occupied, the driver should always check the airbag indicator to see if the airbag is on or off. If it is not correct for the situation, the passenger should be moved to a different seat. A child restraint installed properly in the back seat is the safest place for children.

Your General Motors dealer will reprogram the seat's electronic control unit. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact your General Motors dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available on your scheduled appointment date.

You may be contacted by a dealer other than the dealer who sold or is currently servicing your vehicle. Please be advised that you may take your vehicle to the General Motors dealership of your choice to have the recall service work completed.

This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department

General Motors of Canada Limited

07182