iPads and Air Bags

Electromagnetic Interference Enables/Disables GM Airbags; GM Forgets to Inform Customers - The Safety Record

What happens when you put your iPad on the front passenger seat of a 2012 Buick Enclave?

That depends on which General Motors source you consult. In May, the automaker sent out a Technical Service Bulletin warning that when “certain electronic devices” such as computers, MP3 players and cell phones are placed in the front passenger seat of a wide range of recent models, the front passenger airbag indicator may illuminate, enabling the airbag, and activating the seatbelt reminder light and warning chime – due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Even though that iPad only weighs 1.5 pounds, the seat sensor suddenly thinks that this designated seating position is occupied.

More recently, an OnStar operator told a GM owner that if a passenger is seated in the right front seat with an electronic device in his or her lap, EMI may disable the airbag. In other words, if the sensor correctly perceives that an occupant is in the seat, then interference from the iPad tells the sensor to turn the airbag off. In complaints reported to SRS GM owners said electronic devices held by a front seat passenger turned off the passenger airbag.

“We called OnStar and spoke to a tech,” said one owner. “He confirmed that this can be caused by cell phones and cell towers.”


Electromagnetic signals' link to gas pedals probed - USA Today

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether electromagnetic signals such as those from radar and cellphones could interfere with electronic gas-pedal controls in vehicles including Toyotas.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood confirmed Wednesday that the government is investigating potential electrical problems. LaHood said NHTSA will conduct an investigation into electronic throttle control systems and potential electromagnetic interference in the nation's fleet of vehicles.

The agency plans to meet with Toyota and other manufacturers, suppliers and outside experts to better understand the electronics that control engine throttles and the safeguards to prevent problems when vehicles are exposed to "electromagnetic interference," or EMI.

Some plaintiffs' attorneys and consumer advocates say signals from radar, radio waves and other sources are causing vehicles' electronic throttles to accelerate on their own.

Another name for EMI is "gremlin"