Main Components of the Occupant Classification System

• Detection sensor located inside the front passenger seat cushion.
• An electronic system that determines whether the passenger airbag should be activated or deactivated.
• An indicator light located on the instrument panel that illuminates the message "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF", indicating that the front passenger airbag system is deactivated.
• The airbag indicator light on the instrument panel is linked to 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.

Its purpose is to help reduce the risk of injury or death from airbag inflation to certain front passenger seat occupants, such as children, by automatically turning the airbag OFF.

For example, if a child restraint of the type specified in the regulations is on the seat, the passenger classification sensor may detect it and turn the airbag OFF.

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

You will find the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator on the overhead console. This system determines conditions 1-4 in the following table and activates or deactivates the front passenger airbag based on these conditions.

Always make sure that you and all vehicle passengers are seated properly and wear the seat belts correctly. The most effective protection is provided by the airbag and seat belt together.

The OCS may not operate 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 side of the front seat.
• Placing feet on the instrument panel or in other locations that reduce passenger weight on the front seat.
• Improperly fastening the seat belt.
• Reclining the seatback.
• Wearing thick clothing, such as ski wear or hip protectors.
• Installing an additional thick seat cushion.
• Placing electronic devices (for example, a laptop computer or satellite radio) on the seat with an inverter charger.

Condition and Operation of the Front Passenger Classification System

The system classifies an adult-sized person as an adult. When a small adult sits in the front passenger seat, the system may recognize him or her as a child depending on body build and posture.

Do not allow children to ride in the front passenger seat. When an older child who has outgrown a child restraint system sits in the front passenger seat, the system may recognize him or her as an adult depending on body build or position.

Never install a child restraint system on the front passenger seat.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" indicator may turn on or off when a child over 12 months to 12 years old (with or without a child restraint system) sits in the front passenger seat. This is normal.

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 objects on the front passenger seat or seatback pocket, or hang any items on the front passenger seatback.

• NEVER place your feet on the front passenger seatback.

• NEVER sit with your hips slid forward on the seat.

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

• NEVER place your feet 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 wearing heavy, soft clothing such as ski wear or hip protectors.

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

• Do not place electronic devices, such as laptop computers, DVD players, or conductive materials, such as water bottles, on the passenger seat.

• Do not use electronic devices, such as laptop computers and satellite radios, that use inverter chargers.

• If a large amount of liquid has been spilled on the passenger seat, the airbag warning 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 replacing genuine parts may cause system malfunction and increase the risk of injury in a collision. Any of the above may prevent the OCS sensor from operating correctly, 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 ignition switch to the OFF position and ask the passenger to sit properly (upright with the seatback in the vertical 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 allows the occupant detection system to turn on the passenger airbag. If the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator remains illuminated, ask the passenger to move to the rear seat.

WARNING

NEVER allow an adult passenger to sit in the driver's seat when the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator is illuminated. In a collision, the air bag will not deploy if the indicator is illuminated. Have the passenger change seating position. If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator remains illuminated after the passenger has properly rested and the vehicle has been restarted, have the passenger move to the rear seat because the air bag will not deploy.

NOTICE

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator normally illuminates for approximately 4 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is placed in the ON or START position. However, if the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed to ON or START within 3 minutes after the engine has been turned off, the indicator does not illuminate. If the front passenger seat is occupied, the OCS will classify the front passenger a few seconds later.