Main Components of the Occupant Detection System

• Sensor located in the front passenger seat cushion.
• An electronic system that determines whether the passenger airbags should be activated or deactivated.
• The indicator located on the instrument panel that illuminates the words PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" means that the front passenger airbag system is deactivated.
• The passenger airbag OFF indicator on the instrument panel is linked to the occupant detection system.

If the front passenger seat is occupied by a person the system determines to be of the proper size, and he or she is seated correctly (sitting 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), the PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" indicator will turn off and the front passenger airbag may deploy if necessary in a frontal collision.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" indicator is located on the center of the instrument panel. This system determines 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 and properly restrained (sitting upright with the seatback in the vertical position, centered on the seat cushion, legs comfortably extended, feet on the floor, and seat belt fastened) for the most effective protection from the airbag and seat belt.

• The ODS (Occupant Detection System) may malfunction if the passenger performs actions that may cause the detection system to fail.

These include:

(1) Failing to sit upright.
(2) Leaning against the door or center console.
(3) Sitting on the side or front edge of the seat.
(4) Placing feet on the instrument panel or resting them on other locations that reduce the occupant's weight on the seat.
(5) Improperly fastening the seat belt.
(6) Reclining the seatback.