How does the air bag supplemental restraint
system work?
The air bag SRS is
designed to activate
when the vehicle
sustains a longitudinal
deceleration sufficient
to cause the air bag
sensors to close an
electrical circuit that
initiates air bag
inflation. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in
a collision does not mean that something is wrong
with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not sufficient enough to cause activation. Air bags
are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal
collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts
unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal
deceleration.
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 or sodium
compounds which may
irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is
toxic.
While the SRS is designed to help reduce serious
injuries, contact with a deploying air bag may also
cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss.
Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with
considerable force, there is the risk of death or
serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye
injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants
who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out
2004 04- Mustang
(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English
(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
84
