Passenger Airbag always on. Is this normal.

**sapstar** · 21-09-2012,12:19 PM

In my Audi A6 2006, every time I turn on the ignition, it shows me that passenger airbag is on. I thought it should only turn on if there is a passenger in the seat. Is this how it is supposed to be?

**rafletcher** · 21-09-2012,12:30 PM

Mine does exactly the same - the warning light illuminates for a couple of seconds, then goes out.

**sapstar** · 21-09-2012,12:31 PM

I see. Not sure how to check if it is on or off when I start driving...

**neilos100** · 21-09-2012,12:52 PM

Its normal...you can turn the airbag off in the glovebox IIRC.....but not sure why you'd want to unless you have a baby seat in the front. Better to leave it on than forget to turn it on and crash!!

**rafletcher** · 21-09-2012,01:11 PM

There is a key-hole inside the glove box that allows you to turn the passenger airbag off in the case of transporting a child (under 3, but they'd be too big over three anyway!) in a rear facing carrier in the front passenger seat. this is the ONLY time you should turn it off.

**sapstar** · 21-09-2012,01:26 PM

Thanks for the info... I used to live in the US before. I owned a Toyota there and it was standard that the Passenger air bags turn on if there is a passenger in the seat. Otherwise they are off. I was assuming Audi would be similar, but surprised that they can only be always on or always off. (In US it is illegal to have car seats in the front seat... so probably there is no option to completely turn off the air bag.)

**Rosscow** · 21-09-2012,01:52 PM

Originally Posted by rafletcher

Mine does exactly the same - the warning light illuminates for a couple of seconds, then goes out.

Same here.

**Rosscow** · 21-09-2012,01:54 PM

Originally Posted by sapstar

Thanks for the info... I used to live in the US before. I owned a Toyota there and it was standard that the Passenger air bags turn on if there is a passenger in the seat. Otherwise they are off. I was assuming Audi would be similar, but surprised that they can only be always on or always off. (In US it is illegal to have car seats in the front seat... so probably there is no option to completely turn off the air bag.)

What if you only have a 2 seater car?!

**gupsterg** · 21-09-2012,10:17 PM

Originally Posted by sapstar

I see. Not sure how to check if it is on or off when I start driving...

If airbag is off on centre console above AC controls I think a light illuminate which reads "Passenger airbag off"

**Guest 2** · 21-09-2012,10:21 PM

The light will illuminate permanently when you have manually switched the passenger airbag off.

It's normal for the light to illuminate when starting up.

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