Subaru Forester Passenger Air Bag Occupancy Sensor
We test drove a Forester the other day and when we rouded curves.. the passenger air bag OFF light would come on .. So my analysis is that my 100 lb wife is shifting in the seat on the curves and fooling the sensors.. There are supposedly 4 in the 4 corners of the seat.. so I would think the weight would increase on some and decrease in others.. but still overall, it would think someone of enough mass is there.
If we were to get in an accident while rouding the corner (which I would think is a popular mode of accidents).. she would go thru the windshield ?
Can this really be how its supposed to work ? Is there a way to make it STAY ON no matter what it thinks ?
http://www.drive.subaru.com/win06_whatsinside.htm
i had read to learn about the sensors but it does not talk about any adjustments ..
Thanks
S
If we were to get in an accident while rouding the corner (which I would think is a popular mode of accidents).. she would go thru the windshield ?
Can this really be how its supposed to work ? Is there a way to make it STAY ON no matter what it thinks ?
http://www.drive.subaru.com/win06_whatsinside.htm
i had read to learn about the sensors but it does not talk about any adjustments ..
Thanks
S
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
You know I never thought about this but my wife only weighs 36 kilos! The airbag might kill her if it went off, if it worked at all! I know short people who don't weigh much are more likely to be injured by airbags.
I read that sometime ago.
Can anyone confirm that is accurate?
Since purchasing my vehicle brand new on 7/4/05, the front passenger occupant detection system fails to activate the front airbag for passengers who are both larger and heavier than the purported cutoff of 80-pound children. The passenger is 5'3", 105lbs, yet the airbag light goes to the "off" position intermittently despite the passenger sitting straight. The airbag also sometimes fails to arm upon start up of the car, and will remain "off" for more than 15 minutes while the car is moving. The car was also involved in a safety campaign, in which my passenger seat wiring was already checked by the dealer and found to be routed properly, which may have affected the airbag if routed improperly. Thus, the wiring is a non-issue. The fault is in the passenger sensing equipment. Attempts to bring the car to the dealer to be checked with diagnostic equipment, ended in being told that the system is "working as designed". I contacted Subaru Corporate and local dealer on 10/18/07, who told me that nothing can be done to fix/change the situation, as the system cannot be adjusted, nor do they perceive a problem with the system. I already explained to Subaru that a number of other known owners of 06-08 Forester models have the same problem, and that 130lb passengers still have the same problem. I have concluded that while the intent of Subaru's design was good, the design is flawed, as the sensor pad is not sensitive enough for many passengers, and the intermittent-nature of the sensor is quite dangerous should a frontal-impact occur. This problem has existed on my car for over a year in which I started taking notice, and there is no known fix, nor have I been told that Subaru is admitting to a problem or seeking a solution. This is a big liability and safety concern of mine, and hope to find some resolution.
I have been told that the same sensor system is used in all 06-08 imprezas, 06-08 foresters, and the current generation legacy. Spread the word, everyone please make a complaint to NHTSA.gov! Thanks for your support.
subaruforester.org
-Frank
-Frank
As for the comment above stating that if you have your seatbelt on you shouldn't need the airbag, I urge you go go on youtube and search Forester crash test. Watch that front dummy after it hits the wall and tell me that you don't want the airbag to go off in a frontal impact.
This is incredibly dangerous and Subaru has know about this issue for over two years now, as I'm unfortunately now finding out. I too have filed a complaint with the NHTSA.
There was one time when I saw the air bag turn off while I was sitting in that seat, and I was removing my wallet from my back pocket (taking weight off the seat). So, as far as I can tell, that system was working properly. Road conditions will affect the sensors.
You might find out the actual weight setting on it. For example, not all 80# of an 80# person rests on the seat. And, each person's weight distribution is different. Is the setting 60#? 50?
As was stated above, not having the airbag deploy in my opinion is a good thing as long as you are wearing your seatbelts you are likely to be as good or better off w/o the airbag.
-mike
I have seen some comments on the capability to "calibrate" the sensor with a 90-llb weight on the seat. Any thoughts on using, say, a 60-lb weight?
That's essentially correct. Airbags were originally designed to protect an unrestrained occupant. I do know that they've been refined over the years and that while a seatbelt alone will protect you from injury and save your life in many instances, the airbag in conjunction with the seatbelt probably does reduce the odds of injury (like whiplash) even more.
With the first generation airbags, it wasn't that uncommon for one to actually injure the occupant and in rare cases, kill them (victims were almost exclusively petite women and small children) but I'm pretty sure those issues have been resolved by reducing the force with which the airbag deploys. However, there's apparently still a danger hence the minimum weight limit.
On the otherhand, side-impact and roll-over airbags are virtually always a good to have feature.
-Frank
-mike
-Frank
-mike
X is similar to that reported by others, specifically a 120# 5'5" female often looks at "pass airbag off" light. After multiple trips to dealer and communication with SOA, I also have complained to NHTSA. I consider it incredible that SOA is unwilling/unable to correct this situation.
I guess I'll keep you posted.