Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS. 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 front air bags and front seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision, and side air bags in side collisions and vehicle roll-overs. The air bags deploy in about 40 milliseconds, after impact sensors close. Air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point seat belts.

On models equipped with side curtain air bags or side impact air bags that are involved in a side or lateral collision, the RCM, using inputs from right- and/or left-side crash sensors and roll-over sensors, discriminates between an event that warrants side air bag deployment and an event that does not. In lateral collisions of sufficient force, and vehicle roll-overs, the RCM signals the right- and/or left-side air bag modules to deploy.

Air Bag system includes the following components: RCM, impact and safing sensors (located inside the RCM), back-up power supply (also located inside the RCM), front crash sensor, dual-stage driver-side air bag module, dual-stage passenger-side air bag module, Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS), right- and left-side crash sensors, right and left front seat belt pretensioners, right and left front seat belt buckle switches, seat position sensor, AIR BAG warning light, clockspring and associated wiring harnesses. On models equipped with right- and left-side curtain air bag modules, driver and passenger front seats will be equipped with side thorax air bags. On models that are not equipped with side curtain air bags, side curtain air bag bridge resistors will be attached to side curtain air bags harness connectors, and driver and passenger front seats will be equipped with side impact air bags.