[Sully]

I've noticed a few times that my passenger air bag indicator hasn't been turning on when someone is in the passenger seat, usually my girlfriend ironically. I usually gotta pull over if I'm driving, shut the car off and start it again for the system to recognize that there is someone in the seat. I read in the manual that sometimes it won't activate if there is a 'small adult' in the seat. First off, what classifies as a 'small adult?' Secondly, is anyone else having this issue?

 

[bigbengt67]

The sensor does more than just notice if someone is in the seat. There are a combination of sensors that can determine if the passenger is sitting in some odd way that could cause the airbag to do more damage than good. If your passengers regularly lean on the door, don't face forward, or sit more on one side of the seat it could be turning off the system. There is also a delay in the system so that the bag is not constantly going between an armed and unarmed state. Take a look at how your passengers are sitting next time, you might be surprised.

 

[e2helper]

I agree with bigben - It looks like you are following owner manual recommendation to restart vehicle with passenger in a more proper position in seat. It is much more complicated than just based on weight, also on size of occupant and the distribution of that weight. If you gf is less than 5 ft tall and under 105 lbs then I think she is in the "small adult" category.

 

[Sully]

Thanks for the responses guys. Come to think of it, she does kinda leans off to the side when she's in the seat and I think that's whats throwing the sensor off.

 

[bigbengt67]

No problem!