2009 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual - Page 36

1-32 Seats and Restraints 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. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, seat backpacks, 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 Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-34 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates. The passenger sensing system may suppress the airbag deployment when liquid soaks into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator and the airbag readiness light will be lit. Have your dealer/retailer check the system. An object, person or child in the rear seat contacting or pressing the right front passenger seatback, or objects stowed under the right front passenger seat, may affect the proper functioning of the passenger sensing system. When a safety belt extender is used in the right front passenger seat, make sure the passenger airbag status indicator shows ON. If the indicator shows OFF, disconnect the extender's latch from the buckle then reconnect the safety belt. If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped): 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers. 3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position. 4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended. 5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.