sensor FORD MUSTANG 2004 4.G Owners Manual

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 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
82

of position at the time of air bag deployment. It is
extremely important that occupants be properly
restrained as far away from the air bag module as
possible while maintaining vehicle control.
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
•a diagnostic module
•and the electrical wiring which connects the
components
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal
circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical
system wiring (including the impact sensors), the
system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the
air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Several air bag system components get hot
after inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
If the air bag has deployed,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.
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 toAir bag readinesssection in the
Instrument clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of
the air bag is not required.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
83