How does my brothers car know that i am in the passenger seat?

[Masked Stranger]

He has passenger side airbags. Theres a light illuminated "passenger air bag OFF" if there is noone one in the passenger seat. However, when someone hops in, the light goes off almost instantly. Two questions:

1. How does the car know there is someone there? Does it use a weight sensor of some sort?

2. Whats the point of shutting of the airbag like that? Seems to me theres more room for malfunction as opposed to always having it on. What if the weight sensor doesnt work right and thinks the seat is empty, not deploying the airbag in a crash?

[wmt9]

Originally Posted by Masked Stranger

He has passenger side airbags. Theres a light illuminated "passenger air bag OFF" if there is noone one in the passenger seat. However, when someone hops in, the light goes off almost instantly. Two questions:

1. How does the car know there is someone there? Does it use a weight sensor of some sort?

2. Whats the point of shutting of the airbag like that? Seems to me theres more room for malfunction as opposed to always having it on. What if the weight sensor doesnt work right and thinks the seat is empty, not deploying the airbag in a crash?

weight sensor of some sort

It may not turn on past a certain weight making it safe for car seats and what not.

[Svenarchy]

I would think heat and pressure sensors in the seat and backrest would explain that, if the car has an inbuilt computer.

[MunkeyQ]

There's a little microswitch in the seat cushion. Riding mowers often have a similar thing to kill the engine if you fall off so it doesn't go on a destructive rampage without its driver.

And yeah, it's done so if there's a baby seat in there the airbag won't activate and smear your child all over the roof lining.

[bigfoot]

it smells your farts

[MunkeyQ]

Originally Posted by bigfoot

it smells your farts

Lucky my car didn't have airbags in that case or I'd have burnt the fart sensor out.

[M. Samuel Chevalier]

Aside from being able to kill infants and small children, airbags can cost around a grand to replace.

[hazmat]

Originally Posted by Samsonite!

airbags can cost around a grand to replace.

True, but in a lot of cases the car is totaled at that point.

[wmt9]

Originally Posted by MunkeyQ

smear your child all over the roof lining.

Originally Posted by Samsonite!

Aside from being able to kill infants and small children, airbags can cost around a grand to replace.

This.

Originally Posted by hazmat

True, but in a lot of cases the car is totaled at that point.

No smart insurance company would write off a 40k car instead of buying a new front bumper and replacing the airbags. In a small front end collision repairs could go from $4000 to $2500.

Also this mazda my dad rented for a couple weeks did it to bug you if your seat belt was not on.

[DeadLegend]

First, yes its a weight sensor

2. Whats the point of shutting of the airbag like

for when there are younger children in the car. An air bag can break a younger childs neck

[#1 Stunna]

Originally Posted by Masked Stranger

He has passenger side airbags. Theres a light illuminated "passenger air bag OFF" if there is noone one in the passenger seat. However, when someone hops in, the light goes off almost instantly. Two questions:

1. How does the car know there is someone there? Does it use a weight sensor of some sort?

2. Whats the point of shutting of the airbag like that? Seems to me theres more room for malfunction as opposed to always having it on. What if the weight sensor doesnt work right and thinks the seat is empty, not deploying the airbag in a crash?

Exactly. In my car the threshold is 50lbs I think.

[Lysergic Rain]

Didn't read the thread, but here is the answer.

Normally both the driver and passenger seats have airbags enabled. Most car seats and common sense tells you not to put babies in car seats in the passenger seat. Put them in the back. Unfortunately stupid mothers kept putting their children in the passenger seats, getting into accidents, and then the air bags would go off and kill their babies. Naturally they were upset about this and complained. Now most modern cars have weight sensors that enable the airbag when an adult sits down, but not a baby.

[Rocko]

Originally Posted by Lysergic Rain

Didn't read the thread, but here is the answer.

Normally both the driver and passenger seats have airbags enabled. Most car seats and common sense tells you not to put babies in car seats in the passenger seat. Put them in the back. Unfortunately stupid mothers kept putting their children in the passenger seats, getting into accidents, and then the air bags would go off and kill their babies. Naturally they were upset about this and complained. Now most modern cars have weight sensors that enable the airbag when an adult sits down, but not a baby.

Essentially yeah, the airbags default to driver-only when there's no weight detected in the passenger seat, then the passenger side enables when someone sits down. A lot of cars will also have a manual override where you turn a lock cylinder to disable the airbag, in case your toddler is exceedingly fat and triggers the sensor.

[Masked Stranger]

Ah makes sense. Thanks.

Also its not a 40k car. Its an 07 hyundai. Also upon further inspection, you know how most airbags have a removable cover? Like the horn part of the steering wheel, or a distinct cover on the passenger side that you can pry open with a flathead if you need to inspect the airbag? Well this one doesnt have it. I would think the airbag needs to explode THROUGH the dash with absolutely no removable part of the dash. Which after an accident, not only would you need to replace the airbag, but the entire dashboard as well. For some reason that struck me as stupid.

[truckfixr]

Many passenger air bags use several inputs to enable/disable them. Normally, the passenger air bag will disable if the bladder sensor in the seat cushion detects that there is weight in the seat (baby in child seat or young child not in a child seat), but not enough weight for the passenger to be an adult. The air bag will also be disabled if the seat belt is not buckled. Air bags can kill/injure children too big for child seats. The air bag may also disable if the seat is too far forward, which would position the passenger too close to the bag when it deploys. Some systems use a two stage deployment which has the ability to deploy the bags with a lesser charge during a less severe impact or a full deployment during a severe impact. As has already been stated, the air bags are disabled to prevent deployment if the seat is unoccupied to lower repair costs.

[ComradeAsh]

Who else wishes airbags were an option extra if you could save say, 6 grand off your new car?

[wmt9]

Originally Posted by Masked Stranger

Ah makes sense. Thanks.

Also its not a 40k car. Its an 07 hyundai

I was using that as an example, And your car is still probably worth more than the airbags, which was the other guys point. Shit boxes are done when the air bags deploy because the insurance company isn't going to put out more than the cars is worth for new airbags.

Originally Posted by ComradeAsh

Who else wishes airbags were an option extra if you could save say, 6 grand off your new car?

They were in the early 90's as far as I know. Not 6 grand but a difference for sure.

[hazmat]

Originally Posted by wmt9

No smart insurance company would write off a 40k car instead of buying a new front bumper and replacing the airbags. In a small front end collision repairs could go from $4000 to $2500.

Of course not. But I'd argue that if the crash was light enough to only have to replace the front bumper then the bags probably shouldn't have been deployed.

My aunt wrecked her BMW recently and the airbags didn't deploy, but the car was totaled. Same thing happened with my grandpa's Camry, car was totaled (frame was bent) and only the side airbag deployed. Small front end collisions would trigger the bags quite easily on older cars, but it seems they've tuned them in recent years.

[944]

Originally Posted by ComradeAsh

Who else wishes airbags were an option extra if you could save say, 6 grand off your new car?

ME!!!

I pull the fuse for the air bag on most cars I own

[AngryOnion]

Originally Posted by truckfixr

Many passenger air bags use several inputs to enable/disable them. Normally, the passenger air bag will disable if the bladder sensor in the seat cushion detects that there is weight in the seat (baby in child seat or young child not in a child seat), but not enough weight for the passenger to be an adult. The air bag will also be disabled if the seat belt is not buckled. Air bags can kill/injure children too big for child seats. The air bag may also disable if the seat is too far forward, which would position the passenger too close to the bag when it deploys. Some systems use a two stage deployment which has the ability to deploy the bags with a lesser charge during a less severe impact or a full deployment during a severe impact. As has already been stated, the air bags are disabled to prevent deployment if the seat is unoccupied to lower repair costs.

^^this.I miss the bladder sensors.Mazda is now using a strain type sensor that determines the weight on the seat frame rails.So every time the seat is removed you have to do friggin song and dance to get them re calibrated.

[happy_one_hit]

Originally Posted by hazmat

True, but in a lot of cases the car is totaled at that point.

It all depends on the value of the car. If its an older car, the cost of new airbags and seat belts[newer seat belts have a switch that locks them in place when the airbag goes off] could total some cars. If your car is not kept up well, it will lower the value. When you car totals the come out and say

"oo rip in the seat....-$250, ooo rent on the fender -$300"

They go around the whole car, if your car is in crappy shape, they will whittle that check down to nothing. Some insurance companies, anyway. Some are worse than others.....and I HATE PROGRESSIVE!!!
worst fucking people to work for.

And back on subject, if the pressure switch isn't working correctly the check engine light will be on.

[AngryOnion]

Originally Posted by happy_one_hit

It all depends on the value of the car. If its an older car, the cost of new airbags and seat belts[newer seat belts have a switch that locks them in place when the airbag goes off] could total some cars. If your car is not kept up well, it will lower the value. When you car totals the come out and say

"oo rip in the seat....-$250, ooo rent on the fender -$300"

They go around the whole car, if your car is in crappy shape, they will whittle that check down to nothing. Some insurance companies, anyway. Some are worse than others.....and I HATE PROGRESSIVE!!!
worst fucking people to work for.

And back on subject, if the pressure switch isn't working correctly the check engine light will be on.

To the best of my knowledge the air bag system has its own fault light,at least that's the way its been on every car I have worked on

[happy_one_hit]

Originally Posted by angryonion

To the best of my knowledge the air bag system has its own fault light,at least that's the way its been on every car I have worked on

In my case it was a dodge charger. And its not the "check engine light," sorry, they lumped everything into one with the "maintenance required" or "service vehicle soon" light.

From my experience, anyway. Some cars do have a separate light for the airbag, but not all. To assume that every car from every manufacturer is the exactly same is foolish.

...and on the same token, I am not positive the pressure senor was connected to the air bag system.

[not me]

Originally Posted by Masked Stranger

Ah makes sense. Thanks.

Also its not a 40k car. Its an 07 hyundai. Also upon further inspection, you know how most airbags have a removable cover? Like the horn part of the steering wheel, or a distinct cover on the passenger side that you can pry open with a flathead if you need to inspect the airbag? Well this one doesnt have it. I would think the airbag needs to explode THROUGH the dash with absolutely no removable part of the dash. Which after an accident, not only would you need to replace the airbag, but the entire dashboard as well. For some reason that struck me as stupid.

Hyundais must be considered "disposable" or something. Or maybe they saved money by just "skipping" the airbags completely. ;>)

[sexualjesus]

who the fuck puts there baby in the passenger seat, in australia its illigil not that it needs to be, its pretty fuckin common sence

[AngryOnion]

Originally Posted by happy_one_hit

It all depends on the value of the car. If its an older car, the cost of new airbags and seat belts[newer seat belts have a switch that locks them in place when the airbag goes off] could total some cars. If your car is not kept up well, it will lower the value. When you car totals the come out and say

"oo rip in the seat....-$250, ooo rent on the fender -$300"

They go around the whole car, if your car is in crappy shape, they will whittle that check down to nothing. Some insurance companies, anyway. Some are worse than others.....and I HATE PROGRESSIVE!!!
worst fucking people to work for.

And back on subject, if the pressure switch isn't working correctly the check engine light will be on.

Originally Posted by happy_one_hit

In my case it was a dodge charger. And its not the "check engine light," sorry, they lumped everything into one with the "maintenance required" or "service vehicle soon" light.

From my experience, anyway. Some cars do have a separate light for the airbag, but not all. To assume that every car from every manufacturer is the exactly same is foolish.

...and on the same token, I am not positive the pressure senor was connected to the air bag system.

No need to be sorry I get this type of stuff all day everyday.A customer comes in and says the check engine light is on.The service writer writes up for a check engine light gives it to me and I find the low washer fluid light on.
For some reason every light on the instrument cluster is the "CHECK ENGINE"light.I fill the washer fluid they charge 100 bucks and I get paid

[happy_one_hit]

Originally Posted by angryonion

No need to be sorry I get this type of stuff all day everyday.A customer comes in and says the check engine light is on.The service writer writes up for a check engine light gives it to me and I find the low washer fluid light on.
For some reason every light on the instrument cluster is the "CHECK ENGINE"light.I fill the washer fluid they charge 100 bucks and I get paid

You misunderstood me. The "maintenance required" light because the presser sensor had gone bad. Not the "check engine" light, I don't believe Dodge has that anymore. It may have a air bag light and the presser sensor may not be connected to the air bag system as in the OP's case. I am not sure...but I know the "maintenance required" light was on.

I am not some simpleton, I have been in body shops/mechanic shops my whole life...and its really the only job I ever had.

[AngryOnion]

Originally Posted by happy_one_hit

You misunderstood me. The "maintenance required" light because the presser sensor had gone bad. Not the "check engine" light, I don't believe Dodge has that anymore. It may have a air bag light and the presser sensor may not be connected to the air bag system as in the OP's case. I am not sure...but I know the "maintenance required" light was on.

I am not some simpleton, I have been in body shops/mechanic shops my whole life...and its really the only job I ever had.

Shit dude I did not want you to feel like a simpleton.That was the whole point of my last post.Cars today have lights for washer fluid,abs,seat belts, gas cap engine management,low fuel,low tire pressure,low oil level"RX8" .Its just that people tend to roll any light they see on the dash as a check engine light.I was not trying to pick on you or trying to make you cry like a little bitch with a skinned knee

[happy_one_hit]

Originally Posted by angryonion

Shit dude I did not want you to feel like a simpleton.That was the whole point of my last post.Cars today have lights for washer fluid,abs,seat belts, gas cap engine management,low fuel,low tire pressure,low oil level"RX8" .Its just that people tend to roll any light they see on the dash as a check engine light.I was not trying to pick on you or trying to make you cry like a little bitch with a skinned knee

[truckfixr]

Originally Posted by happy_one_hit

Come on you two. We're all family here.

[Treefingers.s]

I thought it flashed because you have to open the door in order for it to sense that there is a passenger in the passenger seat. I tested it out once, and it didn't go off when I came in from the back seat, to the front passenger seat.

[happy_one_hit]

Originally Posted by Treefingers

I thought it flashed because you have to open the door in order for it to sense that there is a passenger in the passenger seat. I tested it out once, and it didn't go off when I came in from the back seat, to the front passenger seat.

I suppose it al depends on the make of the car.

[wmt9]

its not the "check engine light," sorry, they lumped everything into one with the "maintenance required" or "service vehicle soon" light.

Uhh, those are the same basic lights as far as I can tell. Just different names for different companies.

[Unnecessary~surgery]

Originally Posted by MunkeyQ

There's a little microswitch in the seat cushion. Riding mowers often have a similar thing to kill the engine if you fall off so it doesn't go on a destructive rampage without its driver.

And yeah, it's done so if there's a baby seat in there the airbag won't activate and smear your child all over the roof lining.

Booooooooooring

[MasterYoda210]

Damn, them sensors are annoying.

I took my dads Civic to get some shopping once, only had one bag full, so I thought it was pointless opening the boot, so I whacked it on the passenger seat. Motherfucker kept beeping at me until I provided my shopping with the safety of a seatbelt.

Good in theory, annoying in practice.