Ford Windstar (2003 year). Manual — part 28

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental
restraint system serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician
immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in
the event of a collision.

How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work?

The air bag SRS is designed to
activate when the vehicle sustains
longitudinal deceleration sufficient
to cause the sensors to close an
electrical circuit that initiates air
bag inflation. The fact that the air
bags did not inflate in a collision
does not mean that something is
wrong with the system. Rather, it
means the forces were not of the
type sufficient to cause activation.
Front air bags are designed to
inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or
rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal
deceleration.

The air bags inflate and deflate
rapidly upon activation. After air bag
deployment, it is normal to notice a
smoke-like, powdery residue or
smell the burnt propellant. This may
consist of cornstarch, talcum
powder (to lubricate the bag) or
sodium compounds (e.g., baking
soda) that result from the
combustion process that inflates the
air bag. Small amounts of sodium
hydroxide may be present which
may irritate the skin and eyes, but
none of the residue is toxic.

While the system is designed to help
reduce serious injuries, contact with
a deploying air bag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary
hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable

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force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures,
facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who
are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time
of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be
properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while
maintaining vehicle control.

Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.

If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function
again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not

replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.

The SRS consists of:
• driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and

air bags).

• side air bags (if equipped). Refer to Side air bag system later in this

chapter.

• one or more impact and safing sensors.
• a readiness light and tone.
• diagnostic module.
• and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact
sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air
bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.

Side air bag system (if equipped)

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag
cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front seats or in front

seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying air bag. Failure
to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in
the event of a collision.

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Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat
covers may prevent the deployment of the side air bags and

increase the risk of injury in an accident.

Do not lean your head on the door. The side air bag could injure
you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag SRS, its
fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an air bag. See your

Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.

All occupants of the vehicle should always wear their safety belts
even when an air bag SRS is provided.

How does the side air bag system work?

The side air bag system consists of
the following:
• An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)

with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.

• A special seat cover designed to

allow airbag deployment.

• The same warning light,

electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.

• Two crash sensors located under

the outboard side of the front
seats, attached to the floor.

Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of
severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.

The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected
by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not

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occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel
and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in
side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.

Several air bag system
components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.

If the side air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function
again. The side air bag system (including the seat) must

be inspected and serviced by a qualified technician in
accordance with the vehicle service manual. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
(including pretensioners)
See your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children. Also see Air bag supplemental restraint system
(SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children (generally children who are four years old

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