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Passenger detection system

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Passenger detection system

Depending on the vehicle, the passenger detection system automatically manages the activation and deactivation of the passenger airbag according to whether the front passenger seat is occupied.
The passenger airbag is automatically disabled if a child seat is fitted in the front passenger seat or if the seat is not occupied.
Before fitting a child seat on the front passenger seat, find out about the different types of seats CHILD SAFETY and the methods for installing them CHILD SAFETY.
To find out the type of child seat authorised for use on the front passenger seat CHILD SEATS.
Operation
After an initialisation phase of approximately 5 seconds, the warning lights 1 and 2 let you check the activation status of the passenger airbag:
  • warning light 1 on, the passenger airbag is disabled. In this case, the warning light stays on continuously;
  • warning light 2 on, the passenger airbag is activated. In this case, the warning light stays on for approximately 65 seconds.
After the initialisation phase, if the system detects a change of status (e.g. passenger seat occupied when the ignition is switched on, then not occupied), the following messages are displayed on the instrument panel:
  • "Passenger airbag activated", accompanied by the warning light;
or
  • "Passenger airbag deactivated", accompanied by the warning light.
WARNING
DANGER
After fitting a rear-facing child seat, check that the airbag is disabled (warning light 1 on).
The markings on the dashboard and the labels A on each side of the passenger sun visor 3 (such as the label above) remind you that you must not place a child in a rear-facing seat when the passenger airbag is activated.
If the activation warning light is on when a rear-facing child seat is fitted:
  • switch off the ignition;
  • remove the child seat from the passenger seat;
  • remove any additional elements that may be located between the child seat and the passenger seat;
  • refit the child seat according to the instructions of the child seat manufacturer;
  • start the vehicle.
If the problem persists, position the child seat at the rear and contact an approved dealer.
WARNING
Never switch off the ignition before the vehicle has stopped completely. Once the engine has stopped, the brake servo, power-assisted steering, etc., and the passive safety devices such as the airbags and pretensioners will no longer operate.
If the deactivation warning light is on while an adult passenger is seated in the front passenger seat, it may not be correctly fitted.
Perform the following actions to allow the system to detect the passenger:
  • remove any additional elements from the seat base, such as beach towels, seat covers, etc.;
  • make sure that the seatback is not tilted backwards too much;
  • have the passenger sit straight on the seat, centred on the seat cushion with their legs comfortably extended;
  • leave the passenger seated in this position for two to three minutes after the activation warning light comes on.
If the problem persists, have the passenger sit in the rear and contact an approved dealer.
WARNING
DANGER
After fitting a rear-facing child seat, check that the airbag is disabled (warning light 1 on).

Additional factors affecting the operation of the system

Seat belts help keeping the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle manoeuvring and braking. This helps the passenger detection system to maintain the passengerairbag status.
A thick layer of additional material (thick coat, cushion, large object placed in the passenger's rear pocket, heating or massage device) may hinder the correct operation of the passenger detection system.
Note: placing an object on the passenger seat base may activate the warning light in some cases.
WARNING
Warning relating to the passengerairbag : fitting seat covers on the front seats is prohibited.
A wet seat may affect the effectiveness of the passenger detection system. If the front passenger seat is wet, dry it immediately.