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.
Occupant Detection System: General
In '06MY, the occupant detection system was changed. The loadcell sensor that is located between the seat cushion and the seat frame consists of the bladder (bag) containing silicon gel and the pressure sensor connected with a hose. When the passenger sits in the passenger's seat, the silicon gel contained in the bladder is pushed. The loadcell sensor measures this pressure, and then it sends the signal to the occupant detection control module. The occupant detection control module detects the physique of the person sitting in the passenger's seat based on the signals, and then it sends the control signal to the airbag control module.
The belt tension sensor was also added to the outer seat belt. The belt tension sensor detects the status that seat belt is continuously tensioning (when the child seat is attached to the passenger's seat, etc.), and then it sends the signal to the occupant detection control module.
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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.