2004 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 101

Seating and Safety Restraints • one or more impact and safing sensors • a readiness light and tone • a diagnostic module • and the electrical wiring which connects the components The RCM (restraints control module) monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system wiring (including the impact sensors, the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors). Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. If the air bag has deployed, 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. Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the status of the system. Refer to Air bag readiness section in the Instrument cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light 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 SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision. 101 2004 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)