How come the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp lights up even when there is nothing on the passenger seat? In fact, it's on all the time, even when my gf is on the seat. Is it something wrong with the (weight) sensor in the seat? Or I need to disable the PASS AIR BAG OFF warning?

 

It's usually a problem with the buckle but could also be a weight sensor. I would get it scanned just to be sure though.

 

how small is your girlfriend?

 

Damn it. I didn't get to this one fast enough.

 

Apparently, the same size as Manti Te'o's GF.

 

There is a weight sensor in passenger seat and when it senses that there is less than 40lbs or so on the seat, it switches the airbag off.

 

The manual states "After switching on the ignition, the PASS AIR BAG OFF warning light lights up for a few seconds as a check." The implication is that the light goes out once the seat sensor is not tripped AND the check time passes. Mine is on all the time. I asked the dealer about this and they said the manual is wrong and that the light should be on all the time if the sensor isn't tripped. My light does in fact go off if someone sits in the passenger seat.

Separately, the manual states "Depending on the weight, body positioning and shape acting on the passenger's seat, it can occur in the case of heavier children that the passenger airbag is active or, in the case of very light adults or young persons, that the passenger airbag is deactivated." If your GF passes all the in-seat tests and the light doesn't go out when you sit in the passenger seat you might want to visit a dealer.

 

I also once saw this (in a different car) with a passenger who would sit in the passenger seat with one foot/leg folded under her. Sitting that way didn't trigger the occupancy sensor in the seat and the airbag would always be off.

I insisted that she had to sit properly once we figured this out.

 

I knew you guys gonna jump on "how small is my gf" Well, she is over 100lbs. It's only sometimes, I guess it's due to the way she seats? Or the sensor is not working properly.
The thing is the light is on when there is no one there, why's that? It's annoying at night. Most cars would turn on if only there is something light placed onto the seat.