Passenger airbag. Side airbag*

In the Kia Opirus (2003–2011), a sophisticated sensor system ensures that the airbags are only triggered when it is actually necessary. The control unit analyzes acceleration, impact angle and occupant situation in real time. This chapter describes precisely which sensors are installed where in the vehicle and how they communicate with each other. This creates an intelligent protection network that combines safety and technology at the highest level.

Front passenger airbag

The front passenger airbag is located in the dashboard, above the glove box.

Do not attach stickers, ornaments or other objects to the airbag cover.

Such objects could affect airbag deployment.

ON/OFF switch for the front passenger airbag*

If a child restraint system is to be installed on the front passenger seat or if the front passenger seat is unoccupied, the front passenger airbag can be deactivated using the ON/OFF switch.

If, under special circumstances, a rear-facing child seat must be installed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger airbag must be deactivated for the safety of your child.

Deactivating and reactivating the front passenger airbag

To deactivate the front passenger airbag, insert the ignition key into the front passenger airbag ON/OFF switch and turn the key to the OFF position. The "Passenger airbag OFF" indicator lamp illuminates and remains on until the front passenger airbag is reactivated.

To reactivate the front passenger airbag, insert the ignition key into the front passenger airbag ON/OFF switch and turn the key to the ON position. The "Passenger airbag OFF" indicator lamp then goes out.

NOTE

• When the airbag switch is in the ON position, the front passenger airbag is activated. In this mode, no child seat may be installed on the front passenger seat.
• When the airbag switch is in the OFF position, the front passenger airbag is deactivated.

• If the front passenger airbag ON/OFF switch malfunctions, the airbag warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates. In this case, the "Passenger airbag OFF" indicator lamp does not illuminate either. The airbag control module reactivates the front passenger airbag, so that the front passenger airbag will deploy in a collision even though the front passenger airbag ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position. If this occurs, have an authorized KIA dealer inspect the front passenger airbag ON/OFF switch, the seat belt pretensioner system and the SRS airbag system as soon as possible.
• If the SRS airbag warning light does not illuminate after the ignition is switched on (key in ON position), or if it illuminates while driving, have an authorized KIA dealer inspect the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch, the seat belt pretensioner system and the SRS airbag system as soon as possible.

• The driver is responsible for ensuring that the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch is set to the correct switch position.
• Deactivate the passenger airbag only with the ignition switched off. Otherwise, the SRS airbag control module may be damaged. Furthermore, there is also a risk that the driver and/or passenger airbag as well as side and/or curtain airbags may not deploy at all or may not deploy properly in a collision.
• Never install a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat while the passenger airbag is not deactivated. In an accident, a child could be seriously injured or killed by airbag deployment.
• Although your vehicle is equipped with a passenger airbag ON/OFF switch, do not install a child restraint on the front passenger seat. A child restraint must never be installed on a front seat. Children who are too large for child seats must always sit in a rear seat and use the existing three-point seat belts. In an accident, children are given the greatest possible protection when properly seated and belted in a rear seat.
• Reactivate the passenger airbag as soon as a child restraint on the front passenger seat is no longer needed.

• The passenger airbag is much larger than the driver airbag and deploys with considerably greater force. Due to the violent deployment of the passenger airbag, an occupant who has assumed an incorrect seating position or has not properly fastened the seat belt may be seriously or fatally injured. Therefore, the passenger should move the seat as far back as practical and sit against the upright backrest.
• It is necessary that front occupants always remain belted while driving, even at low speeds such as in a parking garage or in parking lots.
• If the driver must brake hard, occupants will inevitably move forward. If the front passenger is not belted, they would be placed directly in front of the airbag module at the moment the airbag deploys. This could result in serious or fatal injuries.
• Never allow the passenger to place hands or feet on the dashboard or to bring their face close to the dashboard. In the event of an airbag deployment, the deploying airbag would strike the passenger.
• Never allow children, elderly or frail persons, or pregnant women to sit in the front passenger seat. Do not install a child restraint on the front passenger seat either. There is a risk that a deploying passenger airbag could cause serious injury.
• Do not place stickers or other objects on the dashboard. Do not attach accessories or additional mirrors to the windshield or the standard interior mirror. Such objects can impair airbag deployment and may be thrown by the airbag at high speed against occupants, causing serious or fatal injury.

Side airbag*

The side airbags are located in the outer sides of the front and rear seatbacks, left and right.

The side airbags deploy when the applicable conditions for a side impact are met.

• Do not place additional seat covers over seats equipped with side airbags. Additional seat covers can impair the deployment of the side airbags. If a seat or seat cover is damaged, have the damage repaired by an authorized Kia dealer. Inform the workshop that side airbags are installed.
• Do not modify the seats in any way and do not install seats that are not approved by Kia. A resulting malfunction of the airbag system could lead to serious injury.

The airbags in the Kia Opirus 2003–2011, including front passenger and side airbags, are important safety components that significantly increase occupant protection in the event of a collision. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated when necessary to ensure the safety of children in a child seat.

Thanks to their well-considered design and precise triggering, the airbags, in combination with the seat belts, provide a high level of protection. This makes the Kia Opirus well equipped for a wide range of driving situations.

Proper handling and maintenance of the airbags are essential to ensure operational reliability and to minimize the risk of injury.