Dodge 2009 Nitro - Manual (Page 58)

NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
Occupant Classification System, children 12 years and
younger should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in
an appropriate child restraint.
Front Passenger
Seat Occupant
Passenger Air-
bag Disable
(PAD) Indicator
Light
Airbag Status
Adult OFF ON
Grocery Bags,
Heavy Briefcases
and Other Rela-
tively Light Ob-
jects
ON OFF
Empty or Very
Small Objects
OFF* OFF
* Since the system senses weight, some small objects
will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.
The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any
weight on the seat will be sensed by the system. Objects
hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down on
the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult will
cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case, the
OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an adult. An
adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position (with their
feet on or near the floor) in order to be properly classified.
Reclining the seat back too far may change how an
occupant is classified by the OCS.
Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the
“PAD Indicator Light” is not illuminated when an adult
is riding in the front passenger seat. If an adult occu-
pant’s weight is transferred to another part of the vehicle
(like the door or instrument panel), the weight sensors in
the seat may not properly classify the occupant. Objects
lodged under the seat or between the seat and the center
console can prevent the occupant’s weight from being
measured properly and may result in the occupant being
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE