mx6bfast wrote:Thanks. I haven't had a new car in a very long time so I wasn't sure. I noticed today the light comes on when I start the car, but goes off after a second or 2 as if someone is in the passenger seat at all times. Looks like I will be taking it to the dealer.
From page 1-46 of the owner's manual:
Status light:The front passenger air bag status light is located on the instrument panel below the air conditioner controls. The light operates as follows:. Unoccupied passenger seat: The light is OFF and the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash.. Passenger’s seat occupied by a small adult, child or child restraint as outlined in this section: The light illuminates to indicate that the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash.. Occupied passenger seat and the passenger meets the conditions outlined in this section: The light is OFF to indicate that the front passenger air bag is operational.
Thus, there is nothing wrong with your vehicle. The light is designed to go out after about 7 seconds after starting, and will be OFF (not lit) if the seat is (a) occupied by an adequate sized adult (and the airbag WOULD inflate), or (b) empty (and the airbag would NOT inflate). If occupied by a small adult, child, or a load of laundry, it should be ON (lit) to indicate that something is in the seat and the airbag is NOT going to inflate.
The only time you need to worry about this light is if you have a normal sized adult in the seat and the light turns on anyway showing the airbag is deactivated. Even then, you need to make sure the occupant is sitting properly and there's nothing under the seat.
The airbag light in the gauges (around the spedometer and such) should flash if there's a malfunction in the system itself.
Always read the manual....
Al