Sephia Sedan L4-1.6L SOHC 16V (1993)
Seat Occupant Classification Module - Air Bag: Technical Service Bulletins
Restraints - 'Passenger Air Bag OFF' Lamp Operation
Model: Passenger Cars (PA)
Group: Restraints(81)
Number: KT2008022001
Date: Wednesday February 20, 2008
Area: N. America
Subject:
"Passenger Air Bag Off" Indicator Light Operation (General - 020)
Description
This TSB provides an overview of the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator light operation, part of the Occupant Classification System (OCS) in
Kia vehicles. This TSB also reviews the procedure to follow in case of a customer complaint regarding the operation of the "PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF" indicator light.
The Occupant Classification System was developed to suppress the deployment of the passenger air bag when it detects the presence of a small occupant
in the front passenger seat (i.e., a very small adult, a child, or an infant including one who is occupying a child restraint seat). The purpose of this
suppression is to protect such an occupant from the risk of serious airbag induced injuries. If the sensor in the front passenger seat identifies a smaller
occupant, the system automatically turns the front passenger air bag OFF. This condition is indicated by the illumination of the "PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF" indicator light.
Additionally, there are a variety of sitting positions that can also cause the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator light to illuminate. These positions
all relate to the passenger seat occupant moving off center in the seat, or tilting so that the OCS sensors no longer detect the occupant's full weight
distribution. Examples of seating positions which can cause the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator light to illuminate include:
^
Sitting on either side edge of the seat.
^
Sitting too far forward on the seat.
^
Reclining in the seat so far that the occupant's weight is transferred to the seat back.
^
Leaning heavily against the passenger door.
^
Propping an elbow on the arm rest.
^
Sitting cross-legged.
^
Rotating in the seat so that some leg weight is supported by the seat sides, not the cushion.
^
Pulling feet back and knees up so that the occupant's thighs come off the seat.
Not withstanding the use of the suppression system discussed in this TSB, you should encourage your customers to have children 12-years old and
younger seated in the backseat, using age-appropriate and size-appropriate child seats, boosters, and seatbelts, as needed. Additional information on
child passenger safety and seating positions is available to the public at www.safercar.gov.
IMPORTANT:
People have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but the OCS sensors have a single set of design parameters. Thus, the sensors can be more or less
accurate in identifying an occupant's size depending on any occupant's specific physical characteristics. It will take varying levels of effort on the part
of the occupant to maintain a seating position that allows the OCS to properly detect the occupant.
The OCS also prevents the passenger air bag from deploying when the front passenger seat is unoccupied. This feature helps to lower repair costs if the
vehicle is damaged with the front passenger seat unoccupied. In such a case, the passenger's front air bag will not require replacement. This feature also
contributes to holding down the cost of insurance premiums. The system automatically turns the front passenger air bag OFF. This condition is indicated
by illuminating the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" indicator light when the passenger seat is unoccupied.
