How does the side air bag system work?
The design and development of the
side air bag system included
recommended testing procedures
that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as
the Side Air Bag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of
side air bags.
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
• An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
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 air bags.
• Two crash sensors located on the lower portion of the b-pillar (one on
each side of the vehicle).
Side air bags, in combination with safety belts, can help reduce the risk
of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag 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 air bag will
be deactivated. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door
panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided
occupants in side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
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. Side air bags are designed
2005 Mercury Mariner (mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
123
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