2009 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 58

56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped with an Occupant Classification System, children 12 years and younger should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint. Front Passenger Seat Occupant Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light OFF Airbag Status Adult ON Grocery Bags, Heavy Briefcases and Other RelaON OFF tively Light Objects Empty or Very OFF* OFF Small Objects * Since the system senses weight, some small objects will turn the PAD Indicator Light on. The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any weight on the seat will be sensed by the system. Objects hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case, the OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position (with their feet on or near the floor) in order to be properly classified. Reclining the seat back too far may change how an occupant is classified by the OCS. Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the "PAD Indicator Light" is not illuminated when an adult is riding in the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant's weight is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door or instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may not properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under the seat or between the seat and the center console can prevent the occupant's weight from being measured properly and may result in the occupant being