Why does my Cadillac not always sense the passenger, shutting off the airbag?

Question

'07 Cadillac CTS Airbag Sensor does not sense the passenger always. Can this be over-ridden / the airbag turned permanently on? Worried I'll take this to GM, the large male tech will sit in, and say it's fine.. Doesn't always sense my girlfriend. She's sitting in the seat correctly, and it's variable.

Answer 1

Maybe shes to light??

Answer 2

The occupant classification system uses a weight sensor, along with other sensors such as the seat belt.  If she's not wearing her seat belt the airbag will be turned off.  Also, if she is too light the airbag would possibly turn off.  This would be unlikely, however, as I believe it's around 60 pounds that the airbag turns off.  If it's inconsistent, she wears her seat belt every time, and the light still is sometimes on and other times off - then something is wrong with the sensor.  If you take it to GM the technician should not just sit in it, they should do a diagnostic check.  If you are obviously observing the light being inconsistent, turning on and off when the same person sits on it properly multiple times, then tell them there is a problem with the occupant classification system, most likely in the weight sensor.