2008 Ford Crown Victoria Owner's Manual - Page 124

Seating and Safety Restraints The airbags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After airbag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt 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 airbag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying airbag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because airbags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the airbag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control. The SRS consists of the following items: • Driver and passenger airbag modules (which include the inflators and airbags) • safety belt pretensioners • Front passenger sensing system • "Passenger airbag off" or "pass airbag off" indicator lamp. Refer to Front passenger sensing system. later in this chapter. • Driver and passenger side airbags (if equipped) • One or more impact and safing sensors • A readiness light and tone • A diagnostic module • The electrical wiring which connects the components The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits as well as the supplemental airbag electrical system wiring (including the impact 124 2008 Crown Victoria (cro) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)