Is our passenger airbag working?

[AShalit]

I recently purchased a pre-owned 2010 Mazda 5. I'm very happy with the car overall, but I don't know whether the passenger airbag is working. The indicator light is confusing, the owners manual is even worse, and the service tech at the dealership was not able to answer the question when we spoke on the phone.

Here's what I'm seeing:

When the car is started up and there is an adult passenger (weight over 130 pounds) in the front passenger seat, the "PASS AIRBAG OFF" light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then turns off.

Does this light mean that the front passenger airbag has indeed been turned off? Or does the fact that the light appears only for a few seconds mean that the front passenger airbag is turned on?

As I said, the owners manual was no help on this. Because it is potentially a matter of life and death, I want to make sure I have the correct answer.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

i believe, as long as the light turns off, it means that the airbag is armed and ready. it senses the weight of the passenger, thus the 3 second wait. just like how all the light on the dash light up for a second when turning on.

 

[flcruising]

From my owner's manual -

 

[Rockin03mp5]

wow... with pictures even.

thanks.

 

[Sounbwoy]

If you're on a MAJOR weight-loss program and you sit in that seat and the light stays on, you have succeeded in reaching your goal.

 

[flcruising]

I wonder what happens if you weigh between 67-92 lbs?

 

[electronics4lif]

I wonder what happens if you weigh between 67-92 lbs?

The light would be on and the airbag off. I have a very petite wife, and this almost made us not buy the Mazda5.

 

[Mazda5wannabe]

Or the light would be OFF and the airbag ON. The passenger seat airbag sensor says it registers at 66 lbs., but it lies. The dealership says the sensors are not accurate, and YMMV. My 16 YO son is a lightweight at 120 lbs. (26" waist 34" leg), and it was about 50/50 that he would trip the sensor so the airbag was on until he was over 120 lbs. He used to take Judo, and I would drive him to his classes, and the airbag would be on going to Judo, and off coming back. He weighed 100 lbs. at the time and the difference in water retention could be enough to drop his weight below the sensor's capabilities. Eat a big meal and the airbag would be on, take a big dump and the airbag would be off.

Personally I think front seat airbags should be ON all the time, and smaller people sit in the back. Except in two passenger vehicles, that is. Then the airbag should be on a manual switch, and the vehicle shouldn't start until the driver confirms the setting on the switch.