Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Ford Mustang. 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 Restraints System (SRS), also known as air bag system, 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. Air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point seat belts.

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

Air bag system includes the following components: Restraints Control Module (RCM) or diagnostic monitor, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, AIR BAG warning light, impact sensor (in RCM), safing sensor (in RCM), ignitor assemblies (in air bag modules), clockspring and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .