Additional Factors Affecting System Operation

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use.

If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature will be engaged. This may unintentionally cause the passenger sensing system to turn the airbag off for some adult-size occupants. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again.

A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers, can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle   for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.

WARNING WARNING

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

    See also:

    Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
    On some models, the RKE transmitter is used to lock and unlock the doors from up to 20m (65 ft) away from the vehicle. On other models, it can be used up to 60m (195 ft) away. Key Access ...

    Cargo Tie-Downs
    For vehicles equipped with cargo tie—downs, the four tie-downs are located in the rear compartment of the vehicle. Use the tie-downs to secure small loads. ...

    SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF
    This message indicates that the driver has turned the system off. ...