Occupant Classification System (OCS)

Your vehicle is equipped with an Occupant Classification System (OCS) in the front passenger seat.

The OCS is designed to detect a properly seated front passenger and determine whether the front passenger airbag should be enabled (may deploy) or not. The driver's front airbag is not exposed to and is not monitored by the OCS.

Main Components of the Occupant Classification System

• Sensor located in the front passenger seat cushion.
• An electronic system that determines whether the passenger airbag systems (both front and side) should be activated or deactivated.
• Indicator located on the instrument panel that illuminates the words "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" to indicate that the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• The airbag warning lamp on the instrument panel is linked to the OCS.

For adult passengers seated in the front passenger seat and properly wearing their seat belts, the passenger airbag should not automatically turn OFF.

However, if a passenger sits incorrectly 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 off the airbag.

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

Always make sure that you and all passengers in the vehicle are seated properly and wear the seat belt correctly for the most effective protection from the airbag and seat belt.

The OCS may not operate correctly if a passenger takes actions that may affect the occupant classification system. These include:

• Failing to sit upright.
• Leaning against the door or center console.
• Sitting sideways on the front of the seat.
• Placing feet on the instrument panel or on other places that reduce the weight on the front passenger seat.
• Improperly fastening the seat belt.
• Reclining the seatback.

Conditions and Operation of the Front Passenger Occupant Classification System

*1 The system considers a person of adult size to be an adult. When a small adult sits in the front passenger seat, the system may recognize him/her as a child depending on his/her body size and posture.

*2 Do not allow children to ride in the front passenger seat. When a large child who has outgrown a child restraint system sits in the front passenger seat, the system may recognize him/her as an adult depending on his/her body size or seating position.

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

WARNING

Riding in an incorrect position or placing a load on 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 items in the front seat pocket 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 in motion.

• NEVER put your feet on the instrument panel.

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

Correct Sitting Position for the OCS

If the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator is on when an adult is seated in the front passenger seat, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position and ask the passenger to sit correctly (upright with the seatback in a vertical position, centered on the seat cushion with the seat belt fastened, legs comfortably extended, and feet on the floor). Restart the engine and keep the occupant in this position. This allows the system to detect the occupant and turn on the passenger airbag. If the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator remains on, ask the passenger to move to the rear seat.

WARNING

Never allow an adult passenger to sit in the front passenger seat when the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator is illuminated. In a collision, the airbag will not inflate if the indicator is on. Ask your passenger to move to the rear seat.

✽ NOTICE

The "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator light illuminates for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position or the engine is started. If the front passenger seat is occupied, the OCS classifies the front passenger within a few more seconds.

Do not install a child restraint in the front passenger seat.

Even if your vehicle is equipped with an OCS, never install a child restraint on the front passenger seat.

A deploying airbag can strike a child or child restraint with great force, resulting in serious or fatal injury.

WARNING

• NEVER install a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat.
• The deploying front air bag can strike a child with great force, resulting in serious injury or death.
• Always properly secure children in an appropriate child restraint in the rear seat of the vehicle.