Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Excursion. 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 Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passenger by deploying air bags and seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision. The air bags and pretensioners 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, the air bag Restraints Control Module (RCM) discriminates between an event that warrants air bag deployment and an event that does not. In a crash of sufficient force, the RCM signals the air bag modules and pretensioners to simultaneously deploy.

Air bag system includes following components: Restraints Control Module (RCM), a safing sensor (located inside the RCM), a back-up power supply (also located inside the RCM), driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, Passenger-Side Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch, left and right front seat belt pretensioners, AIR BAG warning light, clockspring (or sliding contact) and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .