1998 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 60

1998 Ford Contour Manual

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Seating and safety restraints How does the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) work? The SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle is in a collision, similar to hitting a fixed barrier head on at 12-24 km/h (8-14 mph). 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. 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 burned 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. 60

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Seating and safety restraints
60
How does the air bag
supplemental restraint system
(SRS) work?
The SRS is designed to activate
when the vehicle is in a collision,
similar to hitting a fixed barrier
head on at 12-24 km/h (8-14 mph).
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.
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
burned 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.