2013 Ford Escape Owner Manual Printing 4 - Page 44

Supplementary Restraints System • Wait at least two minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is no longer illuminated. If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may not be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system. WARNINGS If the side airbag has deployed, the airbag will not function again. The side airbag system (including the seat) must be inspected and serviced by an authorized dealer. If the airbag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a crash. The side airbags are located on the outboard side of the seat backs of the front seats. In certain lateral crashes, the airbag on the side affected by the crash will be inflated. The airbag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact crashes. • Do not attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle immediately to an authorized dealer. If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer. SIDE AIRBAGS WARNINGS Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the airbag cover, on the side of the seat backs (of the front seats), or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash. Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat covers may prevent the deployment of the side airbags and increase the risk of injury in an accident. Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seat back. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the airbag, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an airbag as you could be seriously injured or killed. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. ( The system consists of the following: • A label or embossed side panel indicating that side airbags are fitted to your vehicle • Side airbags located inside the driver and front passenger seat backs • Front passenger sensing system ·Crash sensors and monitoring system with readiness indicator. See Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator (page 42). Note: The passenger sensing system will deactivate the passenger seat-mounted side airbag if it detects an empty passenger seat. 40 Escape (TM2)