2006 Mazda Tribute Owner's Manual - Page 106

JOBNAME: No Job Name PAGE: 106 SESS: 1 OUTPUT: Wed Jun 15 16:24:35 2005 /ford_pdm/ford/own2002/j14/mpdiff Seating and Safety Restraints How does the side airbag system work? 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. The side airbag system consists of the following: • An inflatable nylon bag (airbag) with a gas generator concealed behind the outboard bolster of the driver and front passenger seatbacks. • A special seat cover designed to allow airbag deployment. • The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used for the front airbags. • Two crash sensors located on the lower portion of the b-pillar (one on each side of the vehicle). Side airbags, in combination with safety belts, can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision. The side airbags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the airbag on the side affected by the collision will be inflated. If the front passenger sensing system detects an empty seat, the front passenger seat-mounted side airbag will be deactivated. The airbag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact collisions. The airbag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates airbag inflation. The fact that the airbags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side airbags are designed 106 CIMS #586808 com_how_work.side.204 itdseq=135 art=dewss510_b PAGE: 106 OP: root EDIT SESSION: 1 DATE: JUNE 15 2005 at 16:24 JOB: @ibm2/ford_pdm/CLS_ford/GRP_own2002/JOB_j14/DIV_mpdiff DIFF-MARKED Review Copy -- (OLD=2006 Tribute fus Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) 06.5 Tribute Champ (#26074) (May-02-2005 14:29:19)) (NEW=2006 Tribute fus Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) 2006.5 Tribute CNE Review (#26074) (Jun-15-2005 16:18:13)) 2006 Tribute (j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002), Market: USA (fus)