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, airbags, airbag curtains, knee blocker, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS)/negative battery cable assembly from the negative battery post, 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 front seat to its most forward position for easiest access to the front seat mounting hardware.
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), disconnect the IBS connector first before disconnecting the negative battery cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
- Remove the passenger side front seat from the vehicle. Refer to SEAT, FRONT, REMOVAL
.
- Remove the trim from the front seat cushion foam (1) and frame. Refer to COVER, SEAT CUSHION, REAR, REMOVAL .
- Reach under the back of the front seat cushion frame to access and disconnect the Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) (4) pigtail wire connector from the seat wire harness.
- Disengage the two adhesive patches (6) of the ODS from the top surface of the seat cushion foam or, if the vehicle is so equipped, from the top surface of the heater element mat (3).
- Remove the ODS from the seat cushion.
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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