Mercury Milan (2011 year). Manual

The front passenger sensing system
uses a

⬙passenger airbag off⬙ or

⬙pass airbag off⬙ indicator which will
illuminate and stay lit to remind you
that the front passenger frontal
airbag is disabled. The indicator
lamp is located in the center stack of the instrument panel above the
radio.

Note: The indicator lamp will illuminate for a short period of time when
the ignition is turned to the on position to confirm it is functional.

When the front passenger seat is not occupied (empty seat) or in the
event that the front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate), the
indicator lamp will be unlit.

The front passenger sensing system is designed to disable (will not
inflate) the front passenger’s frontal airbag when a rear facing infant
seat, a forward-facing child restraint, or a booster seat is detected.
• When the front passenger sensing system disables (will not inflate)

the front passenger frontal airbag, the indicator lamp will illuminate
and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is
disabled.

• If the child restraint has been installed and the indicator lamp is not

lit, then turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the
vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions.

The front passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate)
the front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting properly in the front passenger seat.
• When the front passenger sensing system enables the front passenger

frontal airbag (may inflate), the indicator lamp will be unlit and stay
unlit.

If a person of adult size is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, but the

⬙passenger airbag off⬙ or ⬙pass airbag off⬙ indicator lamp is lit, it is
possible that the person isn’t 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.

• 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.

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• If the indicator lamp remains lit even after this, the person should be

advised to ride in the rear seat.

Occupant

Pass Airbag Off
Indicator Lamp

Passenger Airbag

Empty seat

Unlit

Disabled

Small child in child
safety seat or booster

Lit

Disabled

Small child with safety
belt buckled or
unbuckled

Lit

Disabled

Adult

Unlit

Enabled

WARNING: Even with Advanced Restraints Systems, children
12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating

position.

After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on safety belts, it’s
very important that they continue to sit properly. A properly seated
occupant sits upright, leaning against the seat back, 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.

WARNING: Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion

and affect the decision of the front passenger sensing system, resulting
in serious injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright against your seatback, with your feet on the floor.

The front passenger sensing system may detect small or medium objects
placed on the seat cushion. For most objects that are in the front
passenger seat, the passenger airbag will be disabled. Even though the
passenger airbag is disabled, the

⬙pass airbag off⬙ lamp may or may not

be illuminated according to the table below.

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Objects

Pass Airbag Off
Indicator Lamp

Passenger Airbag

Small (i.e. three-ring
binder, small purse,
bottled water)

Unlit

Disabled

Medium (i.e. heavy
briefcase, fully packed
luggage)

Lit

Disabled

Empty seat, or small
to medium object with
safety belt buckled

Lit

Disabled

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 (if

equipped)

• Objects hanging off the seat back
• Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket (if equipped)
• 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 conditions listed above may cause the weight of a properly seated
occupant to be incorrectly interpreted by the front passenger sensing
system. The person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or
lighter due to the conditions described in the list above.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of possible serious injury:
Do not stow objects in seat back map pocket (if equipped) or

hang objects off seat back if a child is in the front passenger seat.
Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between
the seat and the center console (if equipped).
Check the “passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for
proper airbag status.
Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front
passenger seat sensing system.

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In case there is a problem with the
front passenger sensing system, the
airbag readiness light in the
instrument cluster will stay lit.

If the airbag readiness light is lit, do the following:

The driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects that
may be lodged underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering
with the seat.

If objects are lodged and/or cargo is interfering with the seat; please take
the following steps to remove the obstruction:
• Pull the vehicle over.
• Turn the vehicle off.
• Driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects lodged

underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.

• Remove the obstruction(s) (if found).
• Restart the vehicle.
• Wait at least two minutes and verify that the airbag readiness light is

no longer illuminated

• If the airbag readiness light remains illuminated, this may or may/not

be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system.

DO NOT attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle
immediately to an authorized dealer.

If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer
Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer
Assistance section of this Owner’s Guide.

WARNING: Any alteration/modification to the front passenger
seat may affect the performance of the front passenger sensing

system.

Determining if the system is operational

The supplemental restraint system uses a warning indicator light in the
instrument cluster or a backup tone to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer to the Warning lights and chimes section in the
Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not
required.

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A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness light (same light

for front and side airbag system)
will either flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not

illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental
restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.

Seat-mounted side airbag system

WARNING: Do not place objects or mount equipment on or
near the airbag cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front

seats or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a
deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the
risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of
accessory seat covers may prevent the deployment of the side

airbags and increase the risk of injury in an accident.

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag
could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the
airbag SRS, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an

airbag. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle should always wear
their safety belts even when an airbag SRS is provided.

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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 (including side air
curtain systems).

The side airbag system consists of
the following:
• An inflatable bag (airbag) with a

gas generator concealed behind
the outboard bolster of the driver
and front passenger seatbacks.

• The same warning light,

electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front airbags.

• Two crash sensors located under

the outboard side of the front seats, attached near the floor.

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. 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
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.

WARNING: Several air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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WARNING: If the side
airbag has deployed, the

airbag will not function again.
The side airbag system
(including the seat) must be
inspected and serviced by an
authorized dealer. If the airbag
is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury
in a collision.

Determining if the system is operational

The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Warning lights and
chimes section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance
of the airbag is not required.

Any difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
• The readiness light (same light as used for front airbag system) will

either flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is

turned to the on position.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.

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Side-curtain airbag system

WARNING: Do not place
objects or mount equipment

on or near the headliner at the
siderail that may come into
contact with a deploying side air
curtain. Failure to follow these
instructions may increase the risk
of personal injury in the event of a
collision.

WARNING: Do not place objects or mount equipment on or
near the side air curtain cover.

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag
could injure you as it deploys from the seat.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the side
air curtain system, its fuses, the A, B, or C pillar trim, or the

headliner on a vehicle containing a side air curtain. See your
authorized dealer.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver,
should always wear their safety belts even when an inflatable

curtain is provided.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not obstruct or
place objects in the deployment zone of the inflatable curtain.

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How does the side air-curtain system work?

The design and development of the
side air curtain 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 (including side air
curtain systems).

The side air curtain system consists
of the following:
• An inflatable curtain with a gas

generator concealed behind the
headliner and above the doors.

• The headliner will flex to open

above the side doors to allow air
curtain deployment.

• The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used

for the front airbags.

• Two crash sensors located under the outboard side of the front seats,

attached near the floor.

• Two crash sensors located at the base of the “C” pillars above the

wheel house.

Side air curtains and side airbags, in combination with safety belts, can
help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side
impact collision.

Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in
the rear seats. The side air curtain will not interfere with children
restrained using a properly installed child or booster seat because it is
designed to inflate downward from the headliner above the doors along
the side window openings.

The side air curtains are mounted to the sheet metal above the first and
second row seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air curtain and
seat-mounted side airbag on the side affected by the collision will be
inflated, except that the passenger sensing system will deactivate the
passenger seat-mounted side airbag if it detects an empty unbuckled

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passenger seat or an unbuckled child or small person in the passenger
seat. The air curtain was designed to inflate between the side window
area and occupant to further enhance the protection provided to
occupants in side impact collisions. The seat-mounted side airbag was
designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further
enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact collisions.

The side air curtain system SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle
sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an
electrical circuit that initiates air curtain and seat-mounted side airbag
inflation.

The fact that the side air curtain and seat-mounted side airbag 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 side air curtain system is designed to inflate in side
impact collisions, not roll-over, rear impact, frontal or near-frontal
collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration.

WARNING: Several air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

WARNING: If the side air
curtain has deployed, the

air curtain will not function
again. The side air curtain
system (including the A, B and
C pillar trim and headliner)
must be inspected and serviced
by an authorized dealer. If the
air curtain is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.

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Determining if the system is operational

Any difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
• The readiness light (same light as used for front airbag system) will

either flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is

turned to the on position.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.

SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

The system automatically flashes the turn signal lamps and sounds the
horn three times at four second intervals in the event of a serious impact
that deploys an airbag (front, side, side curtain or Safety Canopy

威) or

the safety belt pretensioners.

The system can be turned off when any one of the following actions are
taken by the driver or any other person:
• pressing the hazard control button,
• or pressing the panic button on the remote entry transmitter.
The feature will continue to operate until the vehicle runs out of power.

Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles
(including pretensioners)

Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Airbags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.

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SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN

See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children. Also see Airbag supplemental restraint system
(SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using airbags.

Important child restraint precautions

WARNING: Always make sure your child is secured properly in
a device that is appropriate for their height, age and weight.

Child safety restraints must be purchased separately from the vehicle.
Failure to follow these instructions and guidelines may result in an
increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

WARNING: All children are shaped differently. The
Recommendations for Safety Restraints are based on probable

child height, age and weight thresholds from NHTSA and other safety
organizations or are the minimum requirements of law. Ford
recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety
Technician (CPST) and consult your pediatrician to make sure your
child seat is appropriate for your child, and is compatible with and
properly installed in the vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station
and CPST contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the
internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local
St. John Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further
information, contact your provincial ministry of transportation, your
local St. John Ambulance office at http://www.sfa.ca, or Transport
Canada at 1–800–333–0371 (http://www.tc.gc.ca). Failure to properly
restrain children in safety seats made especially for their height, age,
and weight may result in an increased risk of serious injury or death to
your child.

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Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Child size, height, weight, or age

Recommended re-
straint type

Infants
or tod-
dlers

Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or
less (generally age four or younger)

Use a child safety seat
(sometimes called an
infant carrier, convert-
ible seat, or toddler
seat).

Small
chil-
dren

Children who have outgrown or no
longer properly fit in a child safety
seat (generally children who are less
than 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters)
tall, are greater than age four (4) and
less than age twelve (12), and be-
tween 40 lb (18 kg) and 80 lb (36 kg)
and upward to 100 lb (45 kg) if rec-
ommended by your child restraint
manufacturer)

Use a belt-positioning
booster seat.

Larger
chil-
dren

Children who have outgrown or no
longer properly fit in a belt-
positioning booster seat (generally
children who are at least 4 feet
9 inches (1.45 meters) tall or greater
than 80 lb (36 kg) or 100 lb (45 kg) if
recommended by child restraint
manufacturer)

Use a vehicle safety
belt having the lap
belt snug and low
across the hips, shoul-
der belt centered
across the shoulder
and chest, and seat-
back upright.

• You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and

toddlers in the U.S. and Canada.

• Many states and provinces require that small children use approved

booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 ft 9 in.
(1.45 meters) tall, or 80 lb (36 kg). Check your local and state or
provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of
children in your vehicle.

• When possible, always properly restrain children twelve (12) years of

age and under in a rear seating position of your vehicle. Accident
statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in a front seating position.

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Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children

Restraint
Type

Child

Weight

Use any attachment method as indicated

below by “X”

LATCH
(lower
anchors
and
top
tether
anchor)

LATCH
(lower
anchors
only)

Safety
belt
and
top
tether
anchor

Safety
belt and
LATCH
(lower
anchors
and top
tether
anchor)

Safety
belt
only

Rear
facing
child seat

Up to
48 lb
(21 kg)

Forward
facing
child seat

Up to
48 lb
(21 kg)

Forward
facing
child seat

Over
48 lb
(21 kg)

WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.
NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag.

If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the
vehicle seat all the way back. When possible, all children age 12 and
under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. If all
children cannot be seated and restrained properly in a rear seating
position, properly restrain the largest child in the front seat.

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WARNING: Always carefully follow the instructions and
warnings provided by the manufacturer of any child restraint to

determine if the restraint device is appropriate for your child’s size,
height, weight, or age. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions and warnings provided for installation and use in
conjunction with the instructions and warnings provided by the vehicle
manufacturer. A safety seat that is improperly installed or utilized, is
inappropriate for your child’s height, age, or weight or does not
properly fit the child may increase the risk of serious injury or death.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap
while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the

child from injury in a collision, which may result in serious injury or
death.

WARNING: Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child.
They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or

death in a collision.

WARNING: Always restrain an unoccupied child seat or booster
seat. These objects may become projectiles in a collision or

sudden stop, which may increase the risk of serious injury.

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder
belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces

the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk
of injury or death in a collision.

WARNING: Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.

Transporting children

Always make sure your child is secured properly in a device that is
appropriate for their age, height and weight. All children are shaped
differently. The child height, age and weight thresholds provided are
recommendations or the minimum requirements of law. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides education and

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training to ensure that all children ages 0 to 16 are properly restrained in
the correct restraint system. Ford recommends checking with a NHTSA
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and your
pediatrician to make sure your seat is appropriate for your child and
properly installed in the vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station and
CPST contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the internet
at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local St. John
Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further information,
contact your provincial ministry of transportation, your local St. John
Ambulance office at http://www.sfa.ca, or Transport Canada at
1–800–333–0371 (http://www.tc.gc.ca).

Follow all the safety restraint and airbag precautions that apply to adult
passengers in your vehicle.

If the child is the proper height, age, and weight (as specified by your
child safety seat or booster manufacturer), fits the restraint and can be
restrained properly, then restrain the child in the child safety seat or
with the belt-positioning booster. Remember that child seats and
belt-positioning boosters vary and may be designed to fit children of
different heights, ages and weights. Children who are too large for child
safety seats or belt-positioning boosters (as specified by your child safety
seat manufacturer) should always properly wear safety belts.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Infant and/or toddler seats

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the
child.

When installing a child safety seat:
• Review and follow the information

presented in the Airbag
supplemental restraint system
(SRS) section in this chapter.

• Carefully follow all of the

manufacturer’s instructions
included with the safety seat you
put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat
properly, the child may be injured
in a sudden stop or collision.

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Mercury Milan (2011 year). Manual - part 10