Additional Factors Affecting System Operation

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use.

If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature will be engaged. This may unintentionally cause the passenger sensing system to turn the airbag off for some adult size occupants. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again.

A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 3‑40 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.

WARNING
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

    See also:

    Global Positioning System (GPS)
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    Instantaneous Economy and Active Fuel Management™ Indicator
    If the vehicle has this display, press the trip/fuel button until INST ECON V8 displays. This display shows the current fuel economy at a particular moment and will change frequently as driving condit ...

    Washing the Vehicle
    To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight. Notice: Do not use petroleum based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents as they can damage the vehicle's paint, metal, or p ...