System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Toyota Avalon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
1. 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 front passenger side-side airbag.
  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 front passenger side-side airbag.
2. OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Front And Rear Occupant Classification Sensor
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  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.
3. DESCRIPTION FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF INDICATOR.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Indicator
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  1. The passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator is installed on the accessory meter assembly. 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.