Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result. Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS before working on air bag system or related components.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passenger by deploying front air bags and front seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision or side air bags in a side collision. The air bags deploy in about 40 milliseconds, after impact sensors close. Air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point seat belts.

During a front-end collision, the air bag Restraints Control Module (RCM), using input from crash sensor, discriminates between an event that warrants air bag deployment and an event that does not. In a crash of sufficient force, the RCM signals the air bag modules and seat belt pretensioners to simultaneously deploy.

During a side or lateral collision, the RCM using inputs from right and/or left side crash sensor, discriminates between an event that warrants air bag deployment and an event that does not. In a crash of sufficient force, the RCM signals the right and/or left side (seat) air bag module to deploy.

Air bag system includes the following components: RCM, safing sensor (located inside the RCM), back-up power supply (also located inside the RCM), right and left side crash sensors (beneath carpet, under front seats), driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, side air bag modules (located behind outboard bolster of driver and passenger seat backs), left and right front seat belt pretensioners, AIR BAG warning light, clockspring and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .