I don't know if this is going to be a problem...

When I put my backpack full of books on the passenger seat I notice the passenger airbag light stays on. It must be light enough to not trigger the seat belt ding, but the light does not go out.

Is there anything wrong with the light staying on? I know I could put my backpack in the boot, but I need stuff from it while I'm driving.

 

It stays on because your passenger or your bag is not heavy enough to trigger the air bag. That is normal.

 

Hmmm, my light comes on and then goes off after a few seconds with nothing on the seat. I wonder what that means?

 

Mine never goes on-passenger or not. Uh oh.

 

It lights up when the seat sensor detected object on the seat that is not heavy enough.
The lights will goes out when the seat sensor detect no object on the seat or if the seat sensor detected the object is heavy enough.
So that is totally normal for the 'Air bag off' light up all the time when the seat sensor detected an object is not heavy enough for firing an air bag during accident.

 

Always on means warning - whatever you have there is not protected.

 

Heavy enough to be detected by the Airbag sensor not heavy enough to activate the Pass airbag. IE someone putting a small child in the front seat, bad MINI owner .

 

Like what? Something to read?

Just kidding.


place it on the armrest

 

In the event of a crash, will the passenger's airbag go off when the light is on? Will it go off with nothing in the seat, no light on?

 

No. It only goes on with someone or something in the seat heavy enough that the light is off while they/it is in it. Otherwise the bag is not deployed. That's the whole point of 'off'

 

And I was sure you were going to give her a hard time for needing to get stuff from her backpack while she is driving. Is this the kinder, gentler kaelaria coming out?

 

Well, she could be getting the 'stuff' at a light you know ~


I am not kind nor mean. I simply tell it like it is and don't lie.

 

LOL...true...that's what I was thinking too.

Hey, and 99% of the time I agree with what you say kaelaria...just so you know. I just like teasing you.

 

Hey, I don't swing that way, man!

 

OR if there isn't something heavy enough (like nothing) on the seat AND the seatbelt is connected. Just connected the seatbelt with nothing in the seat; the light will come on. True, I understand the whole point of the 'off' light. BUT the 'off' light is not lit when no one is in the seat and the seatbelt is not connected.

My second question still stands, will the airbag deploy if no one is in the seat, the seatbelt no connected, and the "passenger airbag off light" is NOT lit.

 

Kentiki,

I believe this discussion refers to a new feature on '05 MINIs whereby a light goes on to indicate that the passenger airbag is automatically disabled to protect an underweight passenger.

There is a separate issue with some '02 MINIs where the wiring harness (detecting the presence of passengers) under the seat is too short and works loose over time. If your airbag light stays on, have this checked by the dealer.

John

 

Everyone...watch him change his tune. Hey kaelaria...I'm a girl.

 

Buckling the seatbelt with nothing in the seat is obviously not the inteded operating procedure, so I don't see the point of brinign something like that into the discussion.

Here's the bottom line. The airbag will ONLY deploy when there is sufficient weight in the seat. If the light flashes off, or stays lit Off, no it does not deploy, period.

 

Aw crap. OK, I'm a swingin fool!

 

I have to do this sometimes because the seatbelt flaps againts the side of the car and is annoying.