Air Bag System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1999 Mercury Mystique, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 1999 Ford Contour, 1998 Mercury Mystique, and 1998 Ford Contour. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Read the following safety precautions before servicing steering column.

Always wear safety glasses when servicing vehicle with air bag and when handling air bag.

Air bag system must be disabled before servicing any air bag component. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

When handling air bag module, ensure bag and trim cover are pointed away from your body. This reduces chance of injury in case of accidental air bag deployment. When placing air bag module on bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This reduces motion of module if accidentally deployed.

Safety precautions must also be observed when handling a deployed air bag. After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of inflation gas generant combustion that irritates skin. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling air bag. Wash hands with mild soap and water afterward.

DO NOT probe connectors on air bag module. Air bag may deploy causing personal injury.

DO NOT attempt to service air bag module or contact assembly. To correct system malfunctions, replace complete assembly.

After any servicing, ensure AIR BAG light does not indicate any faults.