Passenger Detection System Main Components

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

If the front passenger seat is occupied by a person whom the system determines to be of the appropriate size, and he or she is seated correctly (sitting upright with the seatback in the upright position, centered on the seat cushion, with the seat belt fastened, feet comfortably extended and resting on the floor), the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator will turn off and the front passenger airbag will be able to inflate, if necessary, in a frontal collision.

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

Always make sure that you and all vehicle passengers are seated and wearing seat belts correctly (sitting upright with the seatback in the upright position, centered on the seat cushion, with feet comfortably extended and resting on the floor, and seat belt properly fastened) for maximum airbag and seat belt effectiveness.

• The ODS (Occupant Detection System) may malfunction if the passenger performs actions that may defeat the detection system. These include:
  (1) Failing to sit upright.
  (2) Leaning against the door or center console.
  (3) Sitting on the side or edge of the seat.
  (4) Placing feet on the instrument panel or resting them in other places that reduce the passenger weight on the front seat.
  (5) Improperly fastening the seat belt.
  (6) Reclining the seatback.