For almost all properly installed rear facing child re-
straints, the PAD indicator light will be illuminated
indicating that the front passenger airbag is turned off
and will not inflate. If the PAD indicator light is not
illuminated, DO NOT assume the air bag is turned off
and move the child restraint to the second row of seats (if
equipped). A deploying passenger air bag can cause
death or serious injury to a child in a rear facing infant
seat. For vehicles with a manual on/off switch, the
passenger frontal airbag can be manually turned off. See
section on how to use the switch later in this section.
NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
occupant classification system, children 12 years and
under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat (if
equipped) in an appropriate child restraint (see section
on child restraints).
Front Passenger Seat
Occupant
Passenger Airbag
Disable (PAD)
Indicator Light
Airbag
Status
Adult OFF ON
Grocery Bags, Heavy
Briefcases and Other
Relatively Light
Objects
ON OFF
Empty or Very Small
Objects
OFF* OFF
* Since the system senses weight, some small objects
will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.
The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Objects
hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down
on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult
will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case,
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE