It is suppose to go on and off after you start the engine.....It is a test feature

 

It shouldn't come on while driving around. It isn't at start up. Should have clarified that a little better. The light seems to have a mind of its own and come on and off during driving trips. Seems to me like a computer glitch.

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2002 Starlight Silver EXL-RES

 

Actually, the "side airbag off" light should come on when driving, if a sensor, which is located in each of the front seats, detects that a person is sitting (or leaning or sleeping) such that his/her body is too close to the side airbag deployement zone, creating a possibility of injury if it were to be deployed. Its my guess that either yourself or your front seat passenger initiated it by how you were sitting. It will turn off when you sit straight.

 

Thanks "Oldschool". I will check the manual for some clarification. In theory that explanation makes sense but it makes you think that something is wrong when the light comes on.

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2002 Starlight Silver EXL-RES

 

This happened to me too. My light came on as I was driving with my son who is in the passenger seat. He was leaning against the window. As soon as he sat up straight, the light went off.

 

Yup..Verified this with a late night drive. When my wife leaned awkward in the seat the light came on. As soon as she sat back, the light went off. I am just glad that this is a feature instead of a creature. Thanks again for the info.

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2002 Starlight Silver EXL-RES

 

Our dealer told us the light should also go on if you have an unsecured parcel, like a pocketbook, on the front seat. The side airbag turns off so it won't propel the object into you in case of an accident. Also a short person in the front seat, who would suffer more than benefit from the side airbag would turn it off. Last, he also said that excess humidity would do the same. Don't know why, but he said running the AC would fix that.