[MemberX]

I leased a 06 CTS about 10 days ago and I noticed that a few times even when I had a front passenger that little light was still indicating the air bag is off. Anybody had a similar problem? BTW, I'm taking it in Monday.

 

[RobertCTS]

Did you know there was a recall on the airbags? I imagine the '06 isn't affected.

 

[ewill3rd]

The SDM (airbag module) recall should not apply to an '06.
It also, sadly, doesn't turn on a warning indicator. The problem is that it can set off the bags on power up.

I haven't read CTS specific information but I am sure they are using the new PPS or "Passenger Presence System" that GM is using on lots of new cars.
There is actually a sensor in the seat that tells the module if someone is "heavy" enough to withstand deployment of the airbags. It also checks to see how far forward their seat is and if they are wearing their seat belt or not.

I have seen even smaller adults not be able to activate the PPS system.
I can't get to my service information right now, so I can't look up the details.
There should be some information in the owner's manual on this system.

Oops, here it is... I just got back in.

Inflatable Restraint Passenger Presence System
The passenger presence system (PPS) is used to monitor the pressure profile of an occupant on the front outboard passenger seat and communicate the status to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) whether to enable or suppress the deployment of the I/P module. The PPS consist of an electronic control module and sensor mat assembly attach to the bottom seat cushion, wiring harness, and PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators. The PPS measures the weight of the occupant sitting in the front passenger seat as a pressure change. If the pressure from the occupant's weight is less than a specified value, the PPS module will send a suppress signal to the SDM to disable the I/P module. If the pressure from the occupant's weight is higher than a specified value, the PPS module will send an enable signal to the SDM to enable the I/P module. The PPS module will notify the customer of the enable/disable status by turning on one of the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF indicators located on the rearview mirror. The PPS monitors itself for faults and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) if a fault is detected. The PPS will also notify the SDM of a fault. The SDM will respond by requesting the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON.

 

[AsAkAs]

Similar problem here, ocassionaly my roomate sits in the car and the airbag light indicates off. Very random, doesn't appear to be rhyme or reason to it....

Usually though if i turn the car off and then on again it will fix itself.

 

[ewill3rd]

Just tell him/her to gain 10 pounds

 

[AsAkAs]

Just tell him/her to gain 10 pounds

i think 160 lbs should set off the airbag sensor lol

 

[ewill3rd]

Yeah, 160 should do it. (unless it's all feet)

Actually I don't see the sensor for the seat position, and it doesn't say anything in Description and operation about the seat position being a factor.
I think the borderline is closer to 100 pounds but I don't see a published specification.
If this persists you might have it looked at actually.

It seems odd that 160 would make it display "off"

 

[AsAkAs]

I belive the min weight is something like 70lbs to turn the airbag on

 

[MemberX]

Thanks guys. She is about 120 lbs so I guess that should be enough to activate the system. I'm going to take it in tomorrow and see what they have to say about it. I'll let you know if they actually replace any sensors or whatever cotrols the air bags.

 

[dkozloski]

Have her hold her handbag on her lap. That ought to add 10 lbs.

 

[MemberX]

Have her hold her handbag on her lap. That ought to add 10 lbs.

So true

 

[AsAkAs]

Thanks guys. She is about 120 lbs so I guess that should be enough to activate the system. I'm going to take it in tomorrow and see what they have to say about it. I'll let you know if they actually replace any sensors or whatever cotrols the air bags.

More than likely it's a design flaw in the sensors in the passenger seat, or maybe the pad (with the sensors) isn't sensitive enough, please let us know what you find.

 

[MemberX]

More than likely it's a design flaw in the sensors in the passenger seat, or maybe the pad (with the sensors) isn't sensitive enough, please let us know what you find.

UPDATE
They didn't find any codes and couldn't recreate the problem so nothing was done. I just hope the problem doesn't get recreated during a car accident.

 

[Planediveguy]

UPDATE
They didn't find any codes and couldn't recreate the problem so nothing was done. I just hope the problem doesn't get recreated during a car accident.

Talk about liability if it doesn't get deployed! :cookoo:

 

[RobertCTS]

I like the senario where at 6:00am as you trudge out to your car on a cold morning, start up the Caddy and the airbag deploys. :shocked2: Have a nice day.:lildevil::rofl:

 

[MemberX]

Talk about liability if it doesn't get deployed! :cookoo:

I was thinking about the same thing. Lawyers would be all over them.