I have a 2001 TL and the side airbag light goes on every time some one in the passanger side seat moves around, but when they sit straight on the seat the light turns off. Any one have an idea of what this could be ????

 

It's supposed to do that.

 

You have discovered the OPDS Occupant Position Detection System-
we actually have 10 year 150k miles warranty on the system- its important
Its so your drunk friend leaning against the window or reaching to the glovebox and there is ~an incident that would trigger the airbags~ when the Side light is ON- the Airbags to that side are OFF- so passenger is not injured being to close to an airbag- there is one in the dash and another in the seat side- thats why no lumbar seat heat for passenger- driver gets butt and back heat- nice!

Placing briefcase, KFC bucket. laptop computer or small child in the passenger seat will also trigger the warning light and sysytem

You can view and download the entire owners manual for free- do a search here
Many trick features to our car- and a few freaky ones

 

I had the same question a few months back.. and I believe the answer is that there's a sensor to know if the passenger is seated correctly. if they aren't and there's an accident, it won't turn on because it could activate and maybe injure the passenger. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

it describes it in your manual. But its completely normal. Tell your passenger to sit straight.