2001 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 142

Seating and safety restraints Do not lean your head on the door. The side air bag could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag Supplemental Restraint System, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an air bag. See your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. 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 on the "B" pillar. 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. 142