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Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Mercury Sable and 1997 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passenger by deploying air bags in a front-end collision. The air bags, stored in center of steering wheel and in instrument panel above glove box, deploy in about 40 milliseconds after impact sensors close. SRS is designed to be used with 3-point safety belts.

During a front-end collision of sufficient force, both a front impact sensor and a safing sensor will activate simultaneously to inflate air bag. When a front impact sensor and safing sensor are closed at same time, electrical current will flow, igniting the driver-side and passenger-side air bag module.

SRS includes following components: diagnostic monitor, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, SRS readiness light (AIR BAG warning light), front impact sensors, a safing sensor (within diagnostic monitor), ignitor assemblies (in air bag modules), clockspring) and associated wiring harnesses. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Locating SRS Components
G96B14051Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.