[Elantra GT] Recall

[Paul H., aka Doohickie]

>Considering this, I'd say this is hardly something that the average Elantra
driver should be worried sick about.

Maybe not worried sick, but there are definite problems with the Elantra OCS
(Occupant Classification System).  See <http://www.elantraairbag.com/>,
especially the Demo Video (it's a twelve minute long video, so if you only
have dialup, forget it).  The REAL problem is that the OCS, at least on some
Elantras, has trouble knowing to turn the Air Bag ON for adult passengers.
The video shows a clearly adult female who probably weighs 120-130, and
while she is in the passenger seat, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light remains
on.  When her dad who weighs 168 gets in the passenger seat, it goes off and
stays off.  This isn't just a problem in "odd circumstances" in some cases.

-----Original Message-----
From: Elantra_gt-bounces at gwebworks.com
[mailto:Elantra_gt-bounces at gwebworks.com] On Behalf Of Brian Nystrom
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 3:02 AM
To: Drivers &amp; Believers Website : Hyundai Elantra GT forum
Subject: Re: [Elantra GT] Recall

Frank Gaydos wrote:
> I see that the '04-'05 Elantra and Kia Spectra are being recalled for an
air bag sensor problem.
> 
> The computer system needs to be reprogramed. The system could mistake a
child safety seat for an adult and deploy in a crash.
> 
> Consumer Reports Page 11, Jan. 06 issue.

If you read the recall, it takes some pretty odd circumstances for this 
to happen. First, an adult must be in the seat with the engine running - 
or at least with the key in the "ON" position. Next, without turning off 
the key, the passenger must get out and the child seat must be installed 
in the passenger's seat. The car must then be driven without ever having 
been shut off. Once it goes through a key-off, key-on cycle, the sensor 
is reset and functions properly.

Then, of course, you have to get into an accident before you shut the 
car off.

Considering this, I'd say this is hardly something that the average 
Elantra driver should be worried sick about. I can see how it could 
possibly happen to someone, but just knowing the circumstances that 
cause it should be enough to prevent it from happening to anyone with 
half a brain. I do plan to get mine re-programmed eventually, but 
currently it's pretty far down on my list of things to do.


-- 
Regards

Brian

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