Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

What it means

Shown as a seated person with a crossed-out airbag and the word OFF, usually amber and located in the cluster, the roof console or the center of the dash, this light means the front passenger airbag is switched off and will not deploy in a crash. That is normal when the seat is empty or holds a child, a child seat or light items, or when the driver has switched it off with the dedicated key switch; if it is on while an adult sits in the seat, it is a serious fault that leaves the passenger unprotected. A brief glow at key-on is normal.

Related lights: Airbag Warning LightSeat Belt Reminder LightMaster Warning Light

Symptoms4

• The light is on while an adult sits in the front passenger seat.
• The light switches on and off while driving with the same passenger seated.
• The red airbag warning light comes on as well.
• The light is on with an empty seat or a child in it, which is normal.

Possible causes6

• The seat is empty or holds a child, a child seat or a bag, so the system switches the airbag off on purpose (normal).
• The passenger airbag key switch is set to off, on cars that have one.
• The passenger is sitting out of position, such as leaning forward or sideways or lifting weight off the seat, or there are items under the seat or a thick seat cover.
• Faulty occupant classification sensor (weight mat under the seat) or one needing calibration.
• Damaged wiring or connector under the seat after it was moved or removed.
• Faulty airbag control module (less common).

How to diagnose5

1. Check the airbag key switch if fitted, and make sure the adult passenger sits upright with the back against the seat and feet on the floor.
2. Remove items from under and on the seat and any thick cover, then see if the light goes out.
3. Check the owner's manual for when the system switches the airbag off automatically on your car.
4. At a specialist workshop: read airbag module codes and the occupant sensor reading with a scan tool.
5. Only a trained technician should inspect the seat wiring and connectors; the owner should not disturb them.

How to fix5

1. Set the key switch to on when an adult sits there, and to off when a rear-facing child seat is fitted.
2. Correct the seating position and remove items and thick covers from the seat.
3. Have a specialist repair the seat connector or wiring.
4. Calibrate or replace the occupant classification sensor, followed by calibration.
5. Replace the airbag control module if confirmed faulty, then clear codes and check the light with an adult seated and with the seat empty.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The fix is often free by correcting the seating or the switch, or a check and a connector repair; the cost rises if the occupant sensor must be replaced and calibrated.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions