Ford Escape: Determining if the system is operational - Seat-mounted side airbag system - Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Seating and Safety Restraints - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: 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 Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the side airbag is not required.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:

• The readiness light (same light as for front 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 SRS serviced at your authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

    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 ...

    Safety Canopy 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 Safety Canopy . Failure to follow these instructions may in ...

    See also:

    Why Safety Belts Work
    When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or th ...

    Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
    When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the indicator light in the instrument panel illuminates. Use the overdrive off mode when you need impr ...

    Your Vehicle at a Glance
    ...