Main Components of the Occupant Classification System

• Detection sensor located inside the front passenger seat cushion.
• Electronic system that determines whether the passenger airbag system should be activated or deactivated.
• The indicator light located on the instrument panel illuminates the word "OFF" and the front passenger airbag symbol to indicate that the front passenger airbag system is deactivated.
• The air bag warning light on the instrument panel is interconnected with the OCS.

The OCS detects the presence of a properly seated front passenger and determines whether the front passenger airbag should be enabled (able to inflate) or not.

The purpose is to help reduce the risk of injury or death resulting from airbag deployment for a specific front passenger seated in the seat, such as children. The airbag must be automatically turned off.

For example, if a child restraint of the type specified in the regulations is on the seat, the sensor can help detect it and cause the airbag to turn off.

The front passenger seat for adult passengers who sit properly and fasten the seat belt correctly should not cause the passenger airbag to be automatically turned off. For small adults, it may be turned OFF; however, if the passenger does not sit properly on the seat (for example, sitting not upright, sitting on the edge of the seat, or otherwise being out of position), this may cause the sensor to turn the airbag OFF.

You will find the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator in the center fascia panel. This system detects conditions 1-4 in the following table and activates or deactivates the front passenger airbag based on those conditions.

Always make sure that you and all vehicle passengers are seated correctly and wearing the seat belt properly for the most effective protection from the air bag and seat belt.

The OCS may not function correctly if the passenger performs actions that may affect the classification system. These include:

• Failing to sit upright.
• Leaning against the door or center console.
• Sitting on the sides of the front seat.
• Placing your feet on the instrument panel or on other locations that reduce the passenger seat weight.
• Improperly fastening the seat belt.
• Reclining the seatback.
• Wearing thick clothing, such as ski wear, or hip protectors.
• Installing an additional thick cushion on the seat.
• Placing electrical devices (for example, a laptop or satellite radio) on the seat with an inverter charger.

Condition and Operation of the Front Passenger Classification System

WARNING

Riding in an improper position or loading the front passenger seat when it is not occupied by a passenger adversely affects the OCS. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• NEVER place heavy loads on the front seat or seatback pocket.

• NEVER put your feet on the front passenger seatback.

• NEVER sit with your hips shifted toward the front of the seat.

• NEVER ride with the seatback reclined while the vehicle is moving.

• NEVER put your feet or legs on the instrument panel.

• NEVER lean against the door or center console, or sit on one side of the front passenger seat.

• Do not sit on the passenger seat while wearing heavily worn soft clothing, such as ski wear or hip protectors.

• Do not use seat accessories, such as thick blankets and cushions that cover the vehicle seat surface.

• Do not place electronic devices, such as laptops, DVD players, or conductive materials, such as water bottles, on the passenger seat.
• Do not use electronic devices, such as laptops and satellite radios, that use inverter chargers.

• If a large amount of liquid has been spilled on the passenger seat, the airbag indicator light may illuminate or malfunction. Therefore, make sure the seat is completely dry before driving the vehicle.
• Do not place sharp objects on the front passenger seat. They may damage the occupant detection system if they puncture the seat cushion.
• Do not place any objects under the front passenger seat.
• When changing or replacing the seat or seat cover, use only genuine parts. The OCS was designed based on the use of only genuine HYUNDAI seats. Modifying or altering genuine parts may cause system malfunctions and increase the risk of injury in a collision. Any of the above may prevent the OCS sensor from operating properly, thereby increasing the risk of injury in an accident.

Correct Sitting Position for the OCS

If the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator remains illuminated when an adult is seated in the front passenger seat, turn the engine START/STOP button to OFF and ask the passenger to sit properly (sitting upright with the seatback in an upright position, centered on the seat cushion, with the seat belt fastened, legs comfortably extended, and feet on the floor). Restart the engine and ask the person to remain in this position. This will allow the system to detect the person and turn on the passenger airbag. If the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator is still illuminated, ask the passenger to move to the rear seat.

WARNING

Never allow an adult passenger to ride in the front passenger seat when the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator is illuminated. During a collision, the airbag will not inflate if the indicator is illuminated. Have your passenger reposition themselves on the seat. If the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator continues to illuminate after the passenger has repositioned themselves correctly and the vehicle has been restarted, have the passenger move to the rear seat, because the airbag will not inflate.

NOTICE

The "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator illuminates approximately 4 seconds after the engine START/STOP button is turned to the ON position or after the engine has started. If the front passenger seat is occupied, the OCS will classify the front passenger after a few more seconds.