LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 1996 >> Aerostar Van Window >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 243 (Air Bag Restraint System) >> Description & Operation >> Sensors

Description & Operation: Sensors

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Ford Pickup, 1995 Ford F-Super Duty, 1995 Ford Cab & Chassis, and 1995 Ford Bronco. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Each sensor assembly electrical switch reacts to impacts according to direction and force. It discriminates between impacts that require air bag inflation and impacts that do not require air bag inflation.

When an impact occurs requiring air bag inflation, sensor contacts close, completing electrical circuit necessary for system operation. See Fig 1 . Minimum of 2 sensors, one safing and one impact, must activate simultaneously to inflate air bag. There are 3 sensors mounted in the vehicle: two front impact sensors and one safing sensor. See Figure .

Fig 1: Air Bag System Firing Circuit Diagram
G92A21386Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Front impact sensors are located on each side of upper radiator support. Safing sensor is mounted to right side B pillar (to rear of passenger door) behind corner trim panel.