GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system your rearview mirror will have a passenger air bag status indicator.

Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator - United States


Object Number: 876984  Size: B1

Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator - Canada


Object Number: 877005  Size: B1

When the ignition key is turned to RUN or START, the passenger air bag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the right front passenger's frontal air bag.

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger air bag status indicator, it means that the right front passenger's frontal air bag is enabled (may inflate).

Caution: If the on indicator comes on when you have a rear-facing child restraint installed in the right front passenger's seat, it means that the passenger sensing system has not turned off the passenger's frontal airbag. A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger's airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger's seat if the airbag is turned on.

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the air bag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger's frontal air bag. See Passenger Sensing System for more on this, including important safety information.

If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.

Caution: 

If the off indicator and the airbag readiness light ever come on together, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger seat may not have the protection of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness Light .