2014 Ford Fusion Owner Manual Printing 1 - Page 44

Supplementary Restraints System The design and development of the side airbag system included recommended testing procedures that were developed by a group of automotive safety experts known as the Side Airbag Technical Working Group. These recommended testing procedures help reduce the risk of injuries related to the deployment of side airbags. WARNINGS If the side curtain airbags have deployed, the side curtain airbags will not function again. The side curtain airbags (including the A, B and C pillar trim and headliner) must be inspected and serviced by an authorized dealer. If the side curtain airbag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a crash. The side curtain airbags will deploy during significant side crashes. The side curtain airbags are mounted to the roof side-rail sheet metal, behind the headliner, above each row of seats. In certain sideways crashes, the side curtain airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle will be activated. The side curtain airbags are designed to inflate between the side window area and occupants to further enhance protection provided in side impact crashes. The system consists of the following: SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WARNINGS Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the headliner at the siderail that may come into contact with a deploying side curtain airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash. Do not lean your head on the door. The side curtain airbag could injure you as it deploys from the headliner. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the side curtain airbags, its fuses, the A, B, or C pillar trim, or the headliner on a vehicle containing side curtain airbags. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always wear their safety belts even when an airbag supplemental restraint system and side curtain airbag is provided. To reduce risk of injury, do not obstruct or place objects in the deployment path of the side curtain airbag. E75004 • • Side curtain airbags located above the trim panels over the front and rear side windows identified by a label or wording on the headliner or roof-pillar trim. A flexible headliner which opens above the side doors to allow side air curtain deployment. 41