1997 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 62

1997 Mercury Sable Manual

Page 62 highlights

Seating and safety restraints HOW DOES THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM WORK? The SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration, similar to hitting a fixed barrier head on at 12-24 km/h (8-14 mph). The fact that the air bags 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. The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag 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 air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. 62

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HOW DOES THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM WORK?
The SRS is designed to
activate when the
vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal
deceleration, similar to
hitting a fixed barrier
head on at 12–24 km/h
(8–14 mph).
The fact that the air
bags 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.
The air bags inflate and
deflate rapidly upon
activation.
After air bag
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 air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may
be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but
none of the residue is toxic.
Several air bag system components get hot
after inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
Seating and safety restraints
62