integrated circuit for signal transmitting and is mounted on the radiator grille opening panel
reinforcement. The crash sensor sends a signal at a level determined by the crash severity
to the RCM. The RCM will evaluate the signal against stored data and deploy the frontal air
bags and safety belt buckle pretensioners if required. Both the crash sensor and the
internal RCM longitudinal acceleration sensor must exceed a preset limit to initiate the air
bag.
Side Impact Sensor
The side impact sensors are mounted at the base of the B-pillar on either side of the
vehicle, to facilitate remote lateral impact sensing. Each side impact sensor contains an
acceleration sensor, filter, amplifier and an application specific integrated circuit for signal
transmitting. In the event of an impact, in excess of a predetermined limit, the side impact
sensor sends a signal at a level determined by the crash severity to the RCM. The RCM will
evaluate the signal against stored data, to deploy the side air bag on the side the
deployment request was initiated. Both the side impact sensor and the internal RCM lateral
acceleration sensor must exceed a preset limit to initiate the air bag. The RCM retains
control of the side air bags and side air curtains.
Air Bag Warning Indicator
The air bag warning indicator is incorporated into the instrument cluster, together with the
automatic detach detect circuit. The air bag warning indicator illuminates for three seconds
at key ON. If the system self-tests OK the air bag warning indicator extinguishes, if there is
a fault condition, the air bag warning indicator will stay illuminated or illuminate after a five
second delay.
The system is designed to illuminate the air bag warning indicator continuously if the RCM
circuit is broken, either by loss of power, ground supply, module disconnect or CAN BUS
failure. The RCM retaining bolts are the ground circuit.
Diagnostic evaluation of the SRS can be made through the DLC and the Ford approved
diagnostic tool to establish the nature of the concern. Once the DTC is known the
appropriate course of action can be selected from the Symptom Chart.
Inspection and Verification
1. 1. Verify the customer concern.
2. 2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
Visual Inspection Chart
3. 3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause
(if possible) before proceeding to the next step
4. 4. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom
Chart.
Symptom Chart
NOTE: It is only allowed to repair circuits between connectors. If damage has occurred
within a connector a connector replacement kit, if available, must be installed. If a
connector replacement kit is not available a new wiring harness must be installed.
Electrical
Fuse(s)
Electrical connector(s)
Circuit(s)
Wiring harness
Air bag module(s)