Passenger Front Seat Occupant Detection System Status and Operation

CAUTION

• Do not install a child restraint on the passenger seat when the seat is saturated with any liquid.
• Do not alter or modify the ODS (Occupant Detection System). This may damage the system and prevent it from functioning properly in a collision.

✽ NOTICE

• Do not use seat cushions that cover the seat surface, or aftermarket passenger seat heaters.
• After cleaning the vehicle interior with steam or detergent, the seat must be thoroughly dried. Afterward, check that the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator and airbag warning lights operate normally.
• Any service related to the passenger seat and ODS must be performed at a Kia service center.
• After the passenger seat has been removed or installed for repair purposes, check that the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator and airbag warning light illuminate normally with or without an occupant seated in the passenger seat.

WARNING – ODS System

Riding in an incorrect position adversely affects the Occupant Detection System and may cause deactivation of the front passenger airbag. It is important for the driver to instruct the passenger on the correct seating position as described in this manual.

✽ NOTICE

When the "PASS AIR BAG OFF" symbol is illuminated, the passenger airbag will not deploy. The passenger airbag will deploy if necessary when the symbol is not illuminated.

✽ NOTICE

Do not modify or replace the front passenger seat. Do not place or attach anything, such as a blanket or seat cover, on the front passenger seat, or aftermarket passenger seat heater. This may adversely affect the occupant detection system.

WARNING – ODS System

Riding in an incorrect position adversely affects the Occupant Detection System and may cause deactivation of the front passenger airbag. It is important for the driver to instruct the passenger on the correct seating position as described in this manual.

- Do not place heavy items in the front passenger seatback pocket or on the front passenger seat.

- Do not put your feet on the front passenger seatback.

- Never sit with your hips positioned forward on the seat.

- Never recline the front passenger seatback excessively.

- Never put your feet on the instrument panel.

- Do not use seat accessories, such as thick blankets or cushions, that cover the surface of the vehicle seat.

- Never lean against the door or center console.
- Never sit on one side of the front passenger seat.

- 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, or inverter-type chargers.

WARNING - Wet Passenger Seat

Do not spill liquid on the passenger seat. Liquid spilled on the passenger seat may cause the airbag warning light to illuminate or malfunction. If any liquid is spilled, make sure the seat is completely dry before driving the vehicle.

Correct Position

When an adult is seated in the front passenger seat, if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light is on, turn the ENGINE START/STOP button to OFF and ask the passenger to sit correctly (sitting upright with the seatback in the 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 enable the passenger airbag.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light remains on, ask the passenger to move to the rear seat.

WARNING - "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" Light

Do not allow an adult passenger to ride in the front seat when the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light is on, because the passenger airbag will not deploy in the event of a crash. The driver must instruct the passenger to change position in the seat. Failure to position oneself properly may cause the airbag to deactivate, resulting in the airbag not deploying in a collision. If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light remains on after the passenger has repositioned themselves correctly and the vehicle has been restarted, it is recommended that the passenger move to the rear seat, because the front passenger airbag will not deploy.

✽ NOTICE

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light illuminates for approximately 4 seconds when the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to ON or after the engine is started. If the front passenger seat is occupied, the occupant detection sensor will classify the front passenger after several more seconds.

• Even though your vehicle is equipped with an occupant detection system, never install a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. The deploying airbag can strike the child with great force, resulting in serious injury or death. Any child 13 years old or younger should ride in the rear seat. Children who are too large for child restraints should use the available lap/shoulder belts. Regardless of the type of crash, children of all ages are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat.
• If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light illuminates when an adult is occupying the front passenger seat and he/she is seated correctly (sitting upright with the seatback in the upright position, centered on the seat cushion with the seat belt fastened, legs comfortably extended and feet on the floor), have that person move to the rear seat.

Any child 13 years old or younger should ride in the rear seat. Children who are too large for child restraints should use the available lap/shoulder belts. Regardless of the type of crash, children of all ages are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat.

If the occupant detection system is not operating properly, the SRS airbag warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate because the front passenger airbag is linked to the occupant detection system. If there is a malfunction in the occupant detection system, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator light will not illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may deploy in a frontal impact even if there is no passenger in the front passenger seat.