Ford Falcon (FG) 2010, Manual

Page: 27 / 264

-27-
Occupant protection
How does the side head and
thorax airbag system work?
The side head and thorax airbag system
consists of the following:
• An inflatable nylon bag
(airbag) with a gas generator
concealed behind the outboard
bolster of the driver and front
passenger seatbacks.
• A special seat cover designed to
allow airbag deployment.
• The same warning light, electronic
control and diagnostic unit as used
for the front airbags.
• Two side sensors, located in the
lower portion of the B-pillars.
The side head and thorax airbags
are fitted on the outboard side of the
seatbacks of the front seats. In certain
lateral collisions, the airbag on the
side affected by the collision will be
inflated, even if the respective seat is
not occupied. The airbag was designed
to inflate between the door panel
and occupant to further enhance the
protection provided to occupants in
certain side impact collisions.
Because the system senses crash
severity, some collisions will not inflate
the airbag(s). Side head and thorax
airbags are designed to inflate in certain
side-impact collisions, not rollover, rear-
impact, frontal or near-frontal collisions,
unless the collision causes sufficient
lateral deceleration.
Note: You will hear a loud bang and see
a cloud of harmless powdery residue if
an airbag deploys. This is normal.
WARNINGS
Several airbag system
components get hot after inflation.
Do not touch after inflation.
If the side head and thorax
airbags have deployed, the
airbags will not function again and must
be replaced immediately. The side head
and thorax airbag system must be
inspected and serviced by a qualified
technician in accordance with the
vehicle service manual. If the side head
and thorax airbag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the risk of
injury in a collision.