1999 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 131

Seating and safety restraints All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always wear their safety belts even when an air bag SRS is provided. How does the side air bag system work? The side air bag system consists of the following: • An inflatable nylon bag (air bag) 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 warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used for the front air bags. • Two crash sensors located under the outboard side of the front seats, attached to the floor. Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision. The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact collisions. The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation. 131