1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 58

Inflated passenger side air bag RWARNING If the air bag is inflated, 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. To ensure that the air bag system will operate as intended in a crash, the system is equipped with a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the air bag power, and the air bag inflators. The air bag system uses a readiness light on the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. When you turn the ignition to the ON position, this light will 56