Warnings and Cautions for Using the Passenger Occupant Classification System
Do not allow an occupant in the passenger's seat to sit with a posture which makes it difficult for the passenger occupant classification sensor to detect the occupant correctly.
Sitting in the passenger's seat with a posture which makes it difficult for the passenger occupant classification sensor to detect the occupant correctly is dangerous. If the passenger occupant classification sensor cannot detect the occupant sitting on the passenger's seat correctly, the passenger front and side air bags and pretensioner system may not operate (non-deploy) or they may operate (deploy) accidentally. The passenger will not have the supplementary protection of the air bags or the accidental operation (deployment) of the air bags could result in serious injury or death.
Under the following conditions, the passenger occupant classification sensor cannot detect a passenger sitting on the passenger's seat correctly and the deployment/non-deployment of the air bags cannot be controlled as indicated in the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light on/off condition chart. For example:
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A passenger is seated as shown in the following figure:
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Luggage or other items placed under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat and driver seat that push up the passenger seat bottom.
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An object, such as a seat cushion, is put on the passenger's seat or between the passenger's back and the seatback.
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A seat cover is put on the passenger's seat.
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Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint system.
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The seat is washed.
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Liquids are spilled on the seat.
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The passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items placed behind it.
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Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and driver seat.
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An electric device is put on the passenger's seat.
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An additional electrical device, such as a seat warmer is installed to the surface of the passenger seat.
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will deactivate if the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on.
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To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensor in the seat cushion:
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Do not place sharp objects on the seat cushion or leave heavy luggage on them.
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Do not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.
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To allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:
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Adjust the seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.
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If you place your child on the passenger seat, secure the child-restraint system properly and slide the passenger seat as far back as possible within the position in which the child-restraint system can be installed.
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