The front passenger safety restraint system is a passenger protection measure built it vehicles. It is a warning sign for Tesla users that it is having issues with either the seat belts or the sensors.
Front passenger safety restraint system fault is a very common issue with the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The culprit behind the problem is a malfunctioning sensor, electrical interference with the sensor wire, and moisture buildup inside it.
What is The Front Passenger Safety Restraint System and How Does It Work?
The passenger safety restraint system is designed to safeguard passengers in the unfortunate event of a collision. The system is built with multiple parts.
Such as the airbags, belt pre-tensioners, sensors underneath the seats, and the airbag control module. All of these combined make up the system and every component is equally important for the safety of a passenger.
The airbags provide cushioning between the passenger and interior parts of the car. The pre-tensioners retract the seatbelt when it detects an imminent crash or collision.
These two make up the safety aspects of the system saving the passenger from physical harm. The airbag control module decides the deployment of the airbags with data from the sensors.
Here’s how the whole system works as a whole:
- The sensors constantly collect data from the passenger seats like occupancy or if the passenger buckled the belts.
- When a collision occurs it sends the data to the control module. The module determines whether the collision has the potential to cause physical damage to the passenger.
- The module then deploys the airbags that are in these locations of the car:
- The pre-tensioners retract the belts to reduce slack and restrict the movement of the passenger during the collision.
This system works to protect the passengers from physical injury due to getting hit on the hard interior surfaces of the vehicle.
Why is There a Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault Sign? (Solutions Added)
The front passenger safety system fault is a peculiar issue that a lot of users have frowned on. It is a recurring problem that used to leave owners scratching their heads.
When there’s a problem with the safety restraint system the touchscreen shows a warning sign and advices a visit to the service center. Here is what it looks like:
1. Sensor Malfunction and Electrical interference
The first and biggest culprit behind the problem is the sensors attached to the bottom of the seat cushion.
Over time the sensors become dull and unable to pick up the data from the seat. The whole system relies on the sensors to provide the necessary data for it to work properly.
Electrical interference from mobile devices or connected wires can damage the circuits inside the sensors. This hinders the sensor’s ability to transmit accurate data.
Solution:
Most people who face this issue usually get the sensors replaced to fix the problem. There are multiple sensors under the seats like the occupancy sensor, seat belt sensor, etc.
The cost of replacement is under $100 if you do not have a warranty so bear that in mind. Make sure to test the car afterward and see if the warning comes up again.
If the sensors are in good condition, ask them to install an EMF filter to reduce electrical interference. But this is a temporary measure and you will have to replace the sensors sooner or later.
2. Wire Damage
Another good reason behind the fault sign is misaligned or damaged wires. The sensor and the control module or the computer of the car communicate via these wires.
If somehow the wires get damaged it will be unable to transfer the information leading to the fault sign showing up. Pinched wires can also cause the issue.
Solution:
Use a multimeter to check for breaks or short circuits in the wires. Probe both sides of the wire to see if it has continuity.
If the wire is good put some aluminum foil over the wire in front of the sensor like this:
It will create a filter and reduce interference from other wires or electrical parts and hopefully solve the issue.
If not check for damage and replace the wires. It shouldn’t cost more than $10. Use a wire loom to cover it up and save it from cuts due to sharp edges.
3. Liquid Spillage and Moisture Build up
The first thing service center mechanics ask is if there was any spillage. If liquids accidentally get spilled on the cushion it will short the wires, circuits, and the sensor.
These parts don’t have any protective covers that safeguard them. So any spillage will disrupt the functionality of these electric parts and show the fault sign.
Solution:
If you spill anything on the seats immediately use a soaking towel or paper to dry up as much of it as possible.
Before cleaning the seats, turn the vehicle off and apply a mixture of mild soap and water. Ensure proper ventilation inside the vehicle. Avoid using detergents or chemicals that are harsh .
If the sign persists, take it to a service center to replace the damaged parts.
4. Airbag Module
The airbag module can also cause the safety restraint system fault. If the module is unable to communicate with the sensors the system shows the fault sign.
Damage to the module or even firmware issues can hinder effective communication between the systems.
Solution:
The first thing to do is do a firmware upgrade if it is available. If not do a reboot. There are multiple ways to do it. The easiest way is to change the tire type.
Here are the steps:
- Tap on the “Control” button in the bottom left corner which is the car sign.
- Tap on “Service” and then “Wheel Configuration” on the right.
- A popup box will come up. Select a different wheel size and tap on confirm.
- Once the car reboots change it back to the correct wheel size.
If the reboot doesn’t help you will need to change the whole module. This is a costly replacement. It will set you back over $1000.
Read Also: Tesla Safety Score Not Showing: Possible Reasons and Fixes
5. Changing the Seat Itself
The sensors are connected to a board under the seat cushion. The user in this video opened up the seats and saw that the sensors weren’t even connected to the seat.
The underlying cause was the sensors getting disconnected from the seat cushion. This is an extreme case situation.
Solution:
The only solution for this is to get the seat replaced and hope that your warranty will cover the costs.
A seat costs over $1500 and with the mechanic fees, the quote may even go up to $4000 in total. Visit a service center to get the seat replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I drive while the fault sign is up?
Yes, you can drive but it is advisable to get it checked as soon as possible. Try not to take passengers while the issue is up.
Is it safe to install a used airbag module?
You should never compromise your safety with used modules and systems. Even if the part is expensive, install a new one.
Can I replace the airbag module myself?
Replacing the module is a complex procedure. Refer to this video if you want to do it yourself.
Read Also: Tesla Safety Score Not Showing: Possible Reasons and Fixes
