2005 Ford Five Hundred Owner's Manual - Page 116

Seating and Safety Restraints If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer Assistance section of this Owners Guide. Any alteration/modification to the front passenger seat may affect the performance of the front passenger sensing system. Determining if the system is operational The supplemental restraint system uses a warning indicator in the instrument cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Warning lights and chimes section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not required. 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 your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision. 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. 116 2005 Five Hundred (500) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)