Sketchy Passenger Air Bag Sensor

[carma143]

Today, with my ~145 lbs brother in the passenger seat, I saw that the dash had lit that the passenger air bag was off. I said it, "OFF"! The gauge cluster also showed the little red man with an air bag lit up.

I understand that the twins don't use weight to consider whether the air bag should be on or off and instead detect the amount of electrons the passenger can hold (if I am correct).

Sometimes it's "ON" for him and sometimes it's "OFF" for him.

....Any suggestions?

[Burrcold]

Tell him to eat more.

[Turbo95eg6]

Lifting some weights wouldn't hurt, either.

[irax]

I'm having the same problem to. I got a 2015 model and the passenger side airbag light will be on and the passenger seat buckle light will turn on even though no one is in the seat. The only thing in my passenger seat is my cell phone or wallet.

[ScoobsMcGee]

I used to have a similar issue with my 12 WRX and my ex. Sometimes the passenger airbag wouldn't turn on until she wiggled a bit in the seat. Looking back, it was probably one of the best features in the car...

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by carma143

Today, with my ~145 lbs brother in the passenger seat, I saw that the dash had lit that the passenger air bag was off. I said it, "OFF"! The gauge cluster also showed the little red man with an air bag lit up.

The switch may need to be adjusted or replaced. Are you still under warranty? If it isn't working right, make them fix it.

Originally Posted by irax

I'm having the same problem to. I got a 2015 model and the passenger side airbag light will be on and the passenger seat buckle light will turn on even though no one is in the seat. The only thing in my passenger seat is my cell phone or wallet.

That's not the same problem. OP's issue is that the airbags are not turning on when there's actually someone in the seat. That's exactly the opposite of what's happening to yours.

Your problem is a known issue. It's most likely your cellphone. The airbag switch measures capacitive resistance in the space above it, the ability of something in the seat to conduct electricity. An adult human's ass has different capacitive resistance from empty air, so when the switch detects that change, it turns on the air bag. But cell phones, plastic bags, wet umbrellas and other things have been known to trigger the switch also because they have similar capacitive resistance to a human body.

The airbag coming on is really no big deal. If you want the seat belt indicator to STFU, just plug in the seat belt. You can actually buy a loose seat belt connector on eBay to plug in there to shut it up if you don't want the strap across your seat.

[Koa]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

The airbag coming on is really no big deal. If you want the seat belt indicator to STFU, just plug in the seat belt. You can actually buy a loose seat belt connector on eBay to plug in there to shut it up if you don't want the strap across your seat.

or just wait for the chime to shut up

[Poodles]

Or, you know, put your phone some place where it's not going to fly around (like the center console)

[ashtray]

Have your passenger hold your cell phone - problem solved.

(but seriously, go to dealer and have them troubleshoot - airbags are serious)

[carma143]

So I went to Subaru Pacific today. They couldn't find an issue with the air bag sensor the entire weekend. It turns out that there is a plate under the butt and behind the back that have opposite charges.

It turned out the only reason why it was working all the time during their testing was because the main mechanic was fat for his size, so his body nearly covered all parts of the seat, providing greater surface area for the connection.

Long story short, they are replacing the entire passenger seat because the sensor module doesn't come by itself.

[carma143]

Subaru dealer has stated that there was never such a purchase made