Airbags Passenger Front Airbag If the passenger airbag is permanently off, even when the seat is empty, contact Tesla Model 3 has an occupancy sensor in the front immediately. passenger seat that controls the status of the To make sure the sensing system can correctly airbags based on the weight of the occupant. detect occupancy status, eliminate the If the passenger airbag is OFF, it will not following: inflate when a collision occurs, and PASS AIRBAG OFF displays in the top right corner • Objects lodged under the seat. of the touchscreen. If the passenger airbag is • Heavy objects sitting on the seat ON, it will inflate when a collision occurs, and (briefcase, large purse). its status does not display in the top right • Objects wedged between the seat back corner of the touchscreen. and seat cushion. The Airbag Off indicator displays • Cargo interfering with the seat. in the top right corner of the • After market items attached to, or sitting touchscreen only when the front on, the seat (covers, mats, blankets, etc.). passenger airbag is turned off. These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the Note: The occupancy sensor system meets the above possibilities, and the airbag status is still regulatory requirement of FMVSS 208 and incorrect, ask passengers to ride in the rear automatically detects when inflating the seats and contact Tesla to have the airbag passenger front airbags would be unnecessary system checked. or potentially harmful. Note: The front passenger seat†s sensing Weight in front Passenger airbag system affects the operation of the passenger passenger seat status front and side airbags only. The other passenger airbags are not affected. Empty OFF Warning: Never seat a child on the front Up to 20 lbs/9 kg OFF passenger seat, even if the passenger airbag is off. All occupants age 12 and 20-100 lbs/9-45 kg* OFF* or ON** under must ride in the rear seats (see Child Safety Seats on page 24). Over 100 lbs/45 kg ON** Warning: To ensure accuracy of the *Values are approximate. A weight detected occupant detection system, do not make near the threshold can cause the airbag any modifications to the front passenger status to occasionally turn on and off seat. depending on seating position and Warning: Do not use seat covers on physique. Model 3. Doing so could restrict **The absence of the status, PASS AIRBAG deployment of the seat-mounted side air OFF, in the top right corner of the bags if a collision occurs. It can also touchscreen indicates that the passenger reduce the accuracy of the occupant airbag is ON and will inflate in the event of a detection system, if equipped. collision. Inflation Effects Note: It takes approximately six seconds after Warning: When airbags inflate, a fine you power on Model 3 for the occupancy powder is released. This powder can sensor to report accurate status of the front irritate the skin and should be thoroughly passenger airbag. As a result, when you first flushed from the eyes and from any cuts power on Model 3, even in situations when it or abrasions. should be OFF because the passenger seat is After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a either empty or carrying a weight of 20 lbs (9 gradual cushioning effect for the occupants kg) or less, the touchscreen can take up to six and to ensure the driver†s forward vision is not seconds to display the status, PASS AIRBAG obscured. OFF. If it fails to do so, contact Tesla service immediately and seat passengers in the rear seating positions only. 32 Model 3 Owner's Manual