Vehicles with advanced frontal air bags that are designed to suppress the air bags (not deploy them) are also required to have a "PASS AIR BAG OFF" (or PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF) indicator light. Although not required by law, some manufacturers may also provide a “PASS AIR BAG ON” indicator light next to the "PASS AIR BAG OFF" indicator light for greater status recognition.
When illuminated, the purpose of the PASS AIR BAG OFF" indicator light is to inform you that the passenger frontal air bag has been automatically turned off (suppressed) by the advanced frontal air bag system and therefore will not deploy. This can happen if sensors detect a small-stature passenger, such as an infant or child, in the right front passenger seating position.
The location of the "PASS AIR BAG OFF" indicator light will vary depending on the design of the individual vehicle. Manufacturers are required to place this indicator light in a position that is both visible and recognizable to the driver and right front passenger under all driving conditions, typically on the dashboard center or on the rearview mirror.
Note: The "PASS AIR BAG OFF" indicator light is different than the "air bag readiness indicator light" located in the driver's side instrumental panel. The air bag readiness indicator light illuminates or flashes when the air bag diagnostic system detects a fault in your vehicle's air bag system, such as a component failure, informing you that service is immediately required.
