Auto Airbag System Repair: airbag light and rain, passenger side airbag, honda insight

Question
Doug,

I have a quick that I hope is fairly simple.  A few months ago I left the windows of my 2010 Honda Insight cracked.  A rainstorm came through and the wind direction was such that some rain came through my partially open windows.  They were not cracked much, but it was a heavy rain storm and a couple hours elapsed before I noticed.  The passenger side seat and inside of the door were wet/damp.  I don't mean "flooded" or standing water.  Just moderately damp.  When I started the car the passenger side airbag light came on and would not go off.  It stayed on for at least 24 hours until I decided to spend half an hour with a hair dryer drying everything.  The airbag light went off immediately and hasn't been on for months.  Am I in the clear?  I realize most people would probably rejoice and not give it another thought, but I'm paranoid.  I appreciate your time.  Thanks.

Paranoid Joshua

Answer
Hi Josh:

Your paranoia is well placed.  The passenger seat has a sensor in and under it that detects the weight and position of the passenger.  It is very sensitive and getting the seat wet from excessive rain can alter or potentially damage the system.  When the light was illuminated, the passenger seat airbag was disabled.  Once you dried the seat, the sensor could then detect and measure seat weight properly once again.  If this reoccurs, you may need to replace the seat and/or sensor system (not cheap)
Keep an eye on your lights as you do.  They will indicate if there is a problem as the airbag computer continuously diagnoses the system whenever the key is on.

I hope this helps
Doug
www.airbagsolutions.com