I just bought my 2008 Fit from a private seller. I absolutely LOVE it, but I am confused as to when the passenger side airbag is engaged. I see the light in front of me that indicates "Passenger Airbag" or whatever when I start the car, but I don't see any difference when I have a passenger or when I don't. The manual says that the car should be able to sense when a passenger is seated in the car, but I don't know if it is reading that or not because I don't see any difference in the light or anything. Does anyone know how to tell if the airbag is working? I did the Carfax before I bought it and it showed no accidents or anything. Should I just go consult a dealer on this one?

 

The light cycles at startup and is generally off, but turns on if you put something light in the front seat (like a child). The light shows that the airbag is off, not on. Try throwing a heavy backpack on there, or buckling the front passenger seatbelt with no one there. The light should come on.
Maybe somebody else could answer this- wouldn't the car throw a code if the airbags weren't working? You can get that checked at AutoZone or Advance or whatever for free.

 

Thanks so much for the post! That all makes a lot of sense to me now - I have had a large bag in the front seat and the "side airbag off" light lit up and stayed on until I moved the bag. Thanks so much for clearing that up for me!!!