2003 Ford Crown Victoria Owner's Manual - Page 128

Seating and Safety Restraints 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 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. The SRS consists of the following items: • Driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags) • Driver and passenger side air bags • One or more impact and safing sensors • A readiness light and tone • A diagnostic module • The electrical wiring which connects the components The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits as well as 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. Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. 128 2003 Crown Victoria (cro) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)