Seat Occupant Sensor: Description and Operation

System Diagram:

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1. DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
a. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1. In the occupant classification system, the occupant classification ECU calculates the weight of the occupant based on a signal from the occupant classification sensors. This system recognizes the occupant to be a child if it detects a weight of less than 36 kg (79.37 lb), and disables the front passenger airbag and side airbag (front passenger side).
2. This system is mainly comprised of 4 occupant classification sensors that detect the load on the front passenger seat. The occupant classification ECU controls the system, and the passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator indicates the ON/OFF condition of the front passenger airbag and side airbag (front passenger side).




b. OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR.
1. The occupant classification sensors are installed on 4 brackets connecting the seat rail and seat frame. Accordingly, when load is applied to the front passenger seat by an occupant sitting in it, the occupant classification sensors register a distortion.




c. DESCRIPTION FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/ OFF INDICATOR.
1. The passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator is installed on the center cluster integration switch assembly (w/o LEXUS navigation system) or multi-display assembly (w/ LEXUS navigation system). This indicator informs the driver by ON/ OFF indication, whether the occupant classification ECU puts the front passenger airbag assembly into an active state or inactive state.
2. If a malfunction occurs in the occupant classification system, "OFF" indication of the passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator and the SRS warning light turn on.