Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation

69 Occupant Protection

The 911 Carrera/S (997) is equipped with two-stage full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard. In addition to the crash sensor integrated in the airbag control unit on the center tunnel, there are two sensors in the front of the vehicle mounted near the headlights for detecting the point and direction of impact. This enables earlier and more accurate sensing of crashes, particularly complex impact scenarios such as offset crashes. This has the major advantage of further reducing passenger injuries in a crash.







As with the previous 911 Carrera (996) model, the passenger airbag is housed in the upper area of the dashboard. The airbag flap, which used to be visible, has now been integrated in the dashboard to produce a more homogenous styling effect. In combination with the leather interior, decorative seams hint at the styling of the airbag.

Child Restraint System

SAFETY: Risk of serious or fatal injury from passenger airbag if not switched off when using a child restraint system. If children weighing up to 60 lbs (27 kg) are going to be transported in a child restraint system, the passenger airbag must be switched off. If the weight is more than 60 lbs (27 kg), the passenger's airbag should be switched on (see Owner's Data).

NOTE: The key switch for switching off the passenger's airbag and the Isofix attachment bracket for the child seat are not installed at the factory. They can be retrofitted by a Porsche dealer (see Owner's Data).

Switching Passenger Airbag On and Off

Switch off the passenger airbag on the key switch using the vehicle key. (see Owner's Data)







SAFETY: Risk of serious or fatal injury for passenger if passenger airbag remains switched off after the child seat is removed. The passenger airbag must be switched on when the child seat has been removed.

Airbag Warning Light "PASSENGER Airbag OFF"







- Warning light "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" is continuously lit when the ignition is switched on
- The message PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is displayed by the on-board computer. Deactivation is acknowledged with an acoustic signal.