Front Passenger Detection; Airbag Warning Indicator Light - Tesla Model S Owner Safety Information

FRONT PASSENGER DETECTION

Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that
controls the status of the airbags based on the weight of the occupant.
Passenger airbag status displays in the top right corner of the touchscreen
to indicate whether the airbag will inflate (ON) or not inflate (OFF) if a
collision occurs:
Front passenger seat occupancy*
Empty
Infant in child seat (up to 20 lbs)
Child or small occupant (20-100 lbs)
Heavy object/occupant
*Note: Values are approximate. Occupants whose weight is close to the low weight
threshold can cause the status to occasionally switch on and off depending on
seating position and physique.
If the status shows the airbag as permanently ON, even when the seat is
empty and the seat belt is unbuckled, contact Tesla immediately.
To make sure the sensing system can correctly detect occupancy status,
eliminate the following:
• Objects lodged underneath the seat.
• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).
4
Passenger airbag status
OFF
OFF
ON or OFF
ON
• Objects wedged between the seat back and seat cushion.
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
• Rear passengers interfering with the seat.
• Aftermarket items attached to, or sitting on, the seat (covers, mats,
blankets, etc.).
These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you've
eliminated the above possibilities, and the airbag status is still incorrect,
ask passengers to ride in the rear seats and contact Tesla to have the
airbag system checked.
NOTE: The front passenger seat's sensing system affects the operation of
the front passenger airbag only. All other airbags, including the side airbag
and curtain airbag, are not affected.

AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT

The airbag warning on the instrument panel alerts you
if the airbag system malfunctions. When Model S is
powered on, all components of the airbag system are
continuously monitored. Contact Tesla if this indicator light
stays on.