Make sure to read and fully understand the relevant warnings before using any of the features in this section. See AIR BAG SAFETY.
Crash statistics show that children are safest when properly restrained in a child restraint system. Children should be placed in an age and weight appropriate child restraint system and should be secured in a rear seating position.
Extreme hazard! Never place a rearward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat. The infant could be seriously injured or killed if the air bag deploys.
For optimum safety, children under the age of 13 should travel in the rear of the vehicle at all times. Front passenger seat travel is not recommended. An inflating air bag could cause injury or death to children traveling in the front passenger seat.
The front outboard passenger seat is fitted with an occupancy sensor system that determines if:
The system consists of:
Make sure the ignition is switched on when checking the operational status of the front passenger air bag.
Air bags can deactivate with smaller occupants which could cause serious injury or death.
There are three operational states. The operational states are shown in the following table:
| Occupancy status | Passenger air bag status | Status indicator display |
|---|---|---|
| Completely empty. | Deactivated. | PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF * |
| Child restraint, or low weight occupant or object. | Deactivated. | PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF |
| Heavier occupant or object. | Activated. | ON PASSENGER AIR BAG ** |
* If the status lamp shows that the air bag is off with a seated adult in the front passenger seat, contact a retailer/authorized repairer immediately.
** Displays for 60 seconds, followed by no display.
Deactivation of the passenger air bag also deactivates the side air bag on the passenger side.