Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Sensor, Occupant Detection: Removal
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
- Position the passenger side seat to its most forward position for easiest access to the seat mounting hardware.
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
- Remove the passenger side seat from the vehicle. Refer to SEAT, FRONT, REMOVAL .
- Remove the trim from the seat cushion foam (4) and frame. Refer to COVER, SEAT CUSHION, FRONT, REMOVAL .
- Reach under the back of the seat cushion frame to access and disconnect the Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) pigtail wire harness (3) connector from the seat wire harness.
- Carefully disengage the adhesive patch (4) of the ODS (2) from the top surface of the seat cushion foam (1).NOTE:
Care must be taken not to pull off any of the seat cushion foam along with the ODS mat. If part of the seat cushion foam is removed with the mat, the entire seat cushion foam should be replaced.
- Extract the tail of the ODS (5) and the sensor pigtail wire harness from the clearance hole in the seat cushion foam.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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