[flash3]

So today on my way to work I was putting the looking up where the light is and i noticed that it said the Passenger Airbag was off. There wasn't a passenger in the seat, so I am assuming that's why, no?

[509trooper]

The passenger seat has a sensor that detects when someone is sitting in the seat. When the seat is unoccupied the airbags are turned off.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by 509trooper

The passenger seat has a sensor that detects when someone is sitting in the seat. When the seat is unoccupied the airbags are turned off.

when purchasing on the options list at least where I am, there is a deactivate airbag option. Its option no. 5DA Front passenger airbag deactivation, through keyswitch on front passenger's side.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by inamik75

when purchasing on the options list at least where I am, there is a deactivate airbag option. Its option no. 5DA Front passenger airbag deactivation, through keyswitch on front passenger's side.

Interesting.
In the US some trucks have standard airbag on-off switches. I guess the presumption is that the passenger seat may be used to carry cargo that could be "launched" from a airbag deployment.

The US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration does have a federal regulation (Unenforced, but could be an issue in a lawsuit):

"However, NHTSA will allow some consumers to install an on/off switch to disconnect a driver or passenger air bag, but only if they fall into one of the following categories:

* Those who have a medical condition that places them at specific risk.

* Those who cannot adjust their driver's position to keep at least 10 inches from the steering wheel.

* Those who cannot avoid situations that require a child 12 or under to ride in the front seat.

Automakers are not required to make the switches available, nor are dealers required to install them. Due to vehicle design and other considerations, switches may not be available for all vehicle makes and models."

I believe that the automatic passenger seat switch will disable the airbag if the weight in the seat is less than about 70 lbs. to protect small children or infants in a child seat.

[flash3]

Makes sense. I'll have to see what happens the next time someone is in the passenger seat