Mercedes-Benz

Function of the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamps

The PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is inoperative. When the ignition is switched on, it lights up briefly and then goes out again. Only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp displays the status of the co-driver airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

Vehicles without an automatic co-driver airbag shutoff system have a special sticker on the co-driver's side of the dashboard More.

Self-test of automatic co-driver airbag shutoff

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp lights up for approximately six seconds during the self-test when the ignition is switched on.

The status of the co-driver airbag is displayed after the self-test:

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF is not lit: the co-driver airbag may deploy during an accident.
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up continuously: the co-driver airbag is disabled. It will not be deployed in the event of an accident.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp and the restraint system warning lamp light up simultaneously, the co-driver seat may not be used. Also in this case, do not fit a child restraint system to the co-driver seat. Have the automatic co-driver airbag shutoff checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Status indicator

If the co-driver seat is occupied, ensure, both before and during the journey, that the status of the co-driver airbag is correct for the current situation.

After fitting a rearward-facing child restraint system to the co-driver seat: PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF must be lit continuously.

WARNING Risk of injury or death when using a rearward-facing child restraint system while the front passenger airbag is enabled

If you secure a child in a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off, the front passenger airbag can deploy in the event of an accident.

The child could be struck by the airbag.

Always ensure that the front passenger airbag is disabled. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit.

NEVER use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat with an ENABLED FRONT AIRBAG; DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD can occur.

When fitting a child restraint system to the co-driver seat, observe the vehicle-specific information More.

Depending on the child restraint system and the stature of the child, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp may be off. In this case, do not fit the rearward-facing child restraint system to the co-driver seat.

Instead, fit the rearward-facing child restraint system to a suitable rear seat.

After fitting a forward-facing child restraint system to the co-driver seat: depending on the child restraint system and the stature of the child, PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF may be lit continuously or be off. Always observe the following information.

WARNING Risk of injury or death due to incorrect positioning of the forward-facing child restraint system

If you secure a child in a forward-facing child restraint system on the front passenger seat that is positioned too close to the cockpit, in the event of an accident, the child could:

come into contact with the vehicle interior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit, for example
be struck by the airbag if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off.

Always move the front passenger seat as far back as possible and fully retract the seat cushion length adjustment. While doing so, always make sure that the shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from the seat belt outlet of the vehicle to the shoulder belt guide on the child restraint system. The shoulder belt strap must be routed forwards and downwards from the seat belt outlet. If necessary, adjust the seat belt outlet and the front passenger seat accordingly.

Always comply with the child restraint system manufacturer's installation instructions.

When fitting a child restraint system to the co-driver seat, observe the vehicle-specific information More.

If a person is sitting on the co-driver seat: PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF may be lit continuously or be off, depending on the person's stature.

A person on the co-driver seat must always observe the following information:

If the co-driver seat is occupied by an adult or a person with a stature corresponding to that of an adult, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must be off. This indicates that the co-driver airbag is enabled.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit continuously, an adult or person with a build corresponding to that of an adult should not use the co-driver seat.
Instead, they should use a rear seat.
If the co-driver seat is occupied by a person of smaller stature (e.g. a teenager or small adult), the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp either lights up continuously or remains off, depending on the result of the classification.
- If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off: move the co-driver seat as far back as possible, or the person of smaller stature should use a rear seat.
- If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit continuously: the person of smaller stature should not use the co-driver seat.

WARNING Risk of injury or death when the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit after the self-test, the co-driver airbag is disabled.

If the co-driver seat is occupied, always ensure that:

The classification of the person in the co-driver seat is correct, and the co-driver airbag is enabled or disabled as is appropriate for the person in the co-driver seat.
The person is seated properly with a correctly fastened seat belt.