Ford Freestyle (2007 year). Manual — part 40

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness light (same light

for front and side airbag system)
will either flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not

illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• 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 an authorized dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.

Seat-mounted side airbag system (if equipped)

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

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

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

increase the risk of injury in an accident.

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

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

authorized dealer.

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

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162

How does the side airbag system work?

The design and development of the side airbag system included
recommended testing procedures that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of side airbags.

The front passenger sensing system will disable the side airbag if the
seat is empty.

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

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 readiness airbag light,

electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front airbags.

• Two crash sensors located under

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

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

The side airbags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the airbag on the side affected by
the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not occupied.
The airbag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant
to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact
collisions.

The airbag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates airbag inflation.

The fact that the airbags 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 airbags are designed

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163

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 airbag has
deployed, the airbag will

not function again. The side
airbag system (including the
seat) must be inspected and
serviced by an authorized
dealer. If the airbag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will
increase the risk of injury in a
collision.

Safety Canopy

姟 system (if equipped)

Do not place objects or
mount equipment on or

near the headliner at the siderail
that may come into contact with a
deploying Safety Canopy

娂. Failure

to follow these instructions may
increase the risk of personal injury
in the event of a collision.

Do not lean your head on the door. The Safety Canopy

娂 could

injure you as it deploys from the headliner.

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164

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Safety Canopy

娂

system, its fuses, the A, B, C or D pillar trim, or the headliner on

a vehicle containing a Safety Canopy

娂. See your authorized dealer.

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always
wear their safety belts even when an airbag SRS and Safety

Canopy

娂 system is provided.

To reduce risk of injury, do not obstruct or place objects in the
deployment path of the inflatable Safety Canopy

娂.

How does the Safety Canopy

姟 system work?

The design and development of the
Safety Canopy

娂 system included

recommended testing procedures
that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as
the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of
side airbags (including the Safety
Canopy

娂).

The Safety Canopy

娂 system

consists of the following:
• An inflatable nylon curtain with a

gas generator concealed behind
the headliner and above the doors
(one on each side of vehicle).

• A headliner designed to flex open above the side doors to allow Safety

Canopy

娂 deployment.

• The same readiness airbag light, electronic control and diagnostic unit

as used for the front airbags.

• Two crash sensors mounted under the front seats (one on each side).

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165