Ok, something I remember from when I had my first 05'. When I would take my roommate for a ride, or her brother, I would notice that Passenger Airbag Disable light would come on. It seemed to do this most often when taking sharp turns, but also when accelerating. The disable light stays lit for about 30 second.

They both weigh between 105 and 115, and I don't recall seeing it when any of my friends were in the car. Is there a chance that the passenger airbag won't go off for someone if lit? The seat belt is in, so that should enable it right?

This might be a safety hazzard, let me know if anyone can explain this or if anyone else has noticed this.

 

The newer airbags have a system that determines the weight of the passenger. If the system determines that the person is too small (child, anyone of smaller stature, etc) then the airbag will not deploy. This is how it is designed. You don't want it going off and killing the passenger in a minor frontal collision which has happened in the past. That is why the new sensors were developed for the front seat.

 

Well, if that is so, then there is a problem with that, because obviously my roommate and her brother would need the airbag.

 

mine also has done this with my daughter 5'1" little over 100 lbs. i have heard that about 100 lbs is the safe cut off weight for air bags. i think the sensors is working properly.

 

I had the same "problem" with mine, took it to the dealer and he said the same thing, the airbag is designed to turn off with passenger weight of about 40lbs, or if there is a passenger but the seatbelt is not buckled. But we took a test drive and the mechanic showed me that if that passenger shifted to the wrong spot the airbag light would flicker on/ off occasionally, which could be explained in your situation cause you said it mostly happend when you took sharp turns. Any way if you want to be sure take it to the dealer and have them scan it for any codes, cant hurt.

 

I think it has to do with weight AND speed. A person of small size and weight is not going to need an airbag at slower speeds and properly buckled in (probably when you are noticing the light). My wife is 5'0" and weighs about 110. During slow city driving the light comes on spuradically. But when on the highway at higher speeds it never appears.

 

So the answer is to drive fast then. Ok, I got that covered, it is something I can fix.