Passenger Sensing System

What is the Passenger Sensing System

This system determines whether a passenger is properly seated and whether the front passenger airbag should be enabled.

How the Passenger Sensing System Works

The system uses the passenger airbag status indicator, which illuminates to show whether the front passenger airbag is on or off.

The indicator lamps are located in the center console of the instrument panel.

The Passenger Sensing System is designed to deactivate the front passenger airbag under the following conditions:

• The front passenger seat is unoccupied.
• The system detects that a infant is present in a child restraint.
• The passenger removes their weight from the seat for a certain period of time.
• If there is a problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system.

Even with this technology, parents are strongly advised to always properly restrain children in the rear seat.

• When the passenger sensing system deactivates the front passenger airbag, the passenger airbag status indicator illuminates the OFF lamp.
• If you have installed a child restraint but the passenger airbag status indicator illuminates the OFF lamp, turn off the vehicle, remove the child restraint from your vehicle, and reinstall it following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

The Passenger Sensing System works with sensors built into the front passenger seat and seat belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly seated passenger and determine whether the front passenger airbag should be enabled.

• When the passenger sensing system enables the front passenger airbag, the passenger airbag status indicator lamp illuminates.

If an adult-sized person is seated in the front passenger seat but the passenger airbag status indicator OFF lamp is illuminated, the person may not be seated correctly. If this occurs:

• Turn off the vehicle and ask the person to return the seatback to the upright position.
• Ask the person to sit upright in the center of the seat cushion with their legs comfortably extended.
• Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for a couple of minutes. This allows the system to detect the person and enable the front passenger airbag.
• If the OFF indicator remains illuminated even after this, ask the person to ride in the rear seat.

After all passengers have adjusted their seats and fastened their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, leaning against the seatback and centered on the seat cushion, with their legs comfortably extended toward the floor.

Improper seating may increase the chance of injury in a crash. For example, if a passenger slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or raises one or both feet, the likelihood of injury in a crash increases significantly.

If you believe the passenger airbag status indicator is incorrect, check the following:

• Objects stuck under the seat.
• Objects between the seat cushion and the center console.
• Objects hanging from the seatback.
• Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket.
• Objects placed on the passenger's lap.
• Cargo Interaction with the Seat
• Other passengers pushing or pulling on the seat.
• Rear passenger's feet and knees resting against or pushing on the seat.

The conditions listed above may cause the weight of a properly seated passenger to be misinterpreted by the Passenger Sensing System. A person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or lighter depending on the conditions listed.

Make sure the passenger sensing system sensors are functioning properly.

If the airbag readiness indicator is illuminated, perform the following:

• Park your vehicle.
• Turn off the vehicle.
• Check for objects stuck under the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.
• Remove the obstruction if found.
• Restart the vehicle.
• Wait at least two minutes and check that the airbag readiness indicator in the instrument cluster is no longer illuminated.
• If the airbag readiness indicator in the instrument cluster remains illuminated, there may be a problem with the Passenger Sensing System.

Do not attempt to repair or service the system. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.

If it is necessary to modify the front airbag system to accommodate a person with a disability, contact the Customer Assistance Center.

Precautions for the Passenger Sensing System

Front Passenger Sensing System Indicators