Before I begin, if I'm posting in the wrong section, my apologies. I'm still trying to figure out the lay of the land.

It's been about a week since I brought in my '10 MCS for a faulty passenger seat belt sensor and I just noticed that it's no longer lit when no one is sitting in that seat. I thought that the default is that indicator light goes off the seat is unoccupied. Am I wrong on this?

Thanks,

 

I can't quite follow your question but here is how mine works.

When a passenger (or object) is in the seat then the light and chime will not come on until about 20 seconds or so after the car starts moving.

For the driver the light comes on immediately after turning the ignition on but the chime sounds only after you begin moving.

 

thanks for your response klricks. sorry after reading my initial post again, i can see how it could lead to some confusion. basically your scenario is the one i'm familiar with. after my service, the indicator light (one next to the overhead controls) no longer signals that the passenger airbag has been deactivated. I see now that this needs to be re-serviced. I was trying to find out what is the normal status. thanks again for confirming!

 

You asked about the seat belt warning light which is completely different than the airbag warning. The seat belt light is the icon at the top of the speedometer display. My response above was for the seat belt function.

For the airbag system:
If the passenger seat is not occupied OR if there is an adult sized person in the seat, then the airbag light comes on briefly when the engine is started then goes out.

If a person (or object) on the seat does not weigh between a certain amount then the airbag light will remain on and the airbag will be disabled.

The airbag could be disabled with an adult depending on how they are sitting in the seat and/or the weight of the person.

If the airbag light is OFF then the passengers airbag is ENABLED
If the airbag light is ON then the passengers airbag is DISABLED.

An airbag malfunction is indicated by a different light which is in the speedometer display.

 

I need to work on my posts and be more accurate Thanks again for your info. VERY HELPFUL!!!

 

I have a similar problem on my 2005 Cooper S. Whether or not the front passenger seat is occupied and regardless of whether the seat belt is fastened, the audio alarm and the fasten seat belt light come on shortly after starting. The alarm is only temporary, but the dashboard light stays on until I switch off the car and reset it. Then it's a roll of the dice as to whether or not the situation repeats. Any thoughts? A faulty sensor, switch, seat belt latch... ? Thank you.