2015 Ford Escape Owner Manual Printing 1 - Page 45

Supplementary Restraints System • When the front passenger sensing system disables (will not inflate) the front passenger frontal airbag, the passenger airbag status indicator will illuminate and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is disabled. If the passenger airbag status indicator lamp indicates the passenger airbag is enabled, after the child restraint has been installed, turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions. If the passenger airbag status indicator lamp continues to indicate the passenger airbag is enabled, the child should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. • Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and enable the passenger's frontal airbag. If the passenger airbag status indicator lamp remains lit even after this, the person should be advised to ride in the rear seat. • • Note: When the passenger airbag status indicator lamp is illuminated, the passenger side airbag (seat mounted) may be disabled to avoid the risk of airbag deployment injuries. After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on safety belts, it is very important that they continue to sit properly. A properly seated occupant sits upright, leaning against the seatback, and centered on the seat cushion, with their feet comfortably extended on the floor. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury in a crash event. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. If you think that the status of the passenger airbag off indicator lamp is incorrect, check for the following: • Objects lodged underneath the seat. • Objects between the seat cushion and the center console. • Objects hanging off the seatback. • Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket. • Objects placed on the occupant's lap. • Cargo interference with the seat. • Other passengers pushing or pulling on the seat. • Rear passenger feet and knees resting or pushing on the seat. • The front passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front passenger seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the front passenger frontal airbag should be enabled. • When the front passenger sensing system enables the front passenger frontal airbag (may inflate), the passenger airbag status indicator will not illuminate. If a person of adult size is sitting in the front passenger seat, but the passenger airbag is disabled, it is possible that the person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens: • Turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the full upright position. • Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person's legs comfortably extended. 42 Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing