Ford 1998 E-150, Owner'S Manual

Page: 48 / 144

The air bags inflate and deflate
rapidly upon activation.
After air bag deployment, it is
normal to notice a smoke-like,
powdery residue or smell the burnt
propellant. This may consist of
cornstarch, talcum powder
(to lubricate the bag) or sodium
compounds (e.g., baking soda) that
result from the combustion process
that inflates the air bag. Small
amounts of sodium hydroxide may
be present which may irritate the
skin and eyes, but none of the
residue is toxic.
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
If the air bag is inflated, the air bag will not function again
and must be replaced immediately
. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
The SRS consists of:
•
driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and
air bags),
•
one or more impact and safing sensors,
•
a readiness light and tone
•
and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact
sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air
bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the
Air bag readiness
Seating and safety restraints
48