Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

The Supplemental Air Bag Restraint System is designed to provide increased accident protection for the driver IN ADDITION TO that provided by the driver three point safety belt system. Safety belt use is necessary to obtain the best occupant protection and to receive the full advantages of the supplemental air bag. FORD RECOMMENDS THE USE OF SAFETY BELT SYSTEMS FOR ALL VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

The Supplemental Air Bag Restraint System consists of two basic subsystems:
- Driver air bag
- Electrical system, including impact sensors, backup power supply and electronic monitor assembly

Electrical System
The air bag system is powered directly from the battery. The system can function with the ignition switch in any position, including OFF and LOCK. The system can also function when the driver's seat is unoccupied. The electrical system performs three main functions:
- Detects an impact
- Switches electric power to the igniter
- Monitors the system to determine readiness

The electrical system components include:
- Electronic diagnostic monitor with integrated backup power supply
- Air bag system readiness indicator
- Wiring harness and contact clockspring assembly
- Sensors
- Igniter assembly









Sensors
The sensor assembly is an electrical switch which 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 that requires air bag inflation, the sensor contacts close, completing the electrical circuit necessary for system operation.

Four sensors are mounted in the vehicle. Their locations are as follows:
- A crash sensor at the center of the radiator support
- At the RH side of the radiator support
- At the LH side of the radiator support
- At the LH B-pillar in the passenger compartment

At least two sensors, one safing, one crash, must be activated simultaneously to inflate the air bag.

Location of Air Bag System Components
1. LH Front Crash Sensor-Behind LH headlamp
2. RH Front Crash Sensor-Behind RH headlamp
3. LH B-pillar Safing Sensor-LH B-pillar behind trim panel
4. Center Front Sensor-Center radiator support
5. Driver Air Bag-Steering wheel
6. Clockspring-Behind steering wheel
7. Diagnostic Monitor-In center console behind climate controls