2009 Ford Taurus Owners Manual

2009 Taurus (500) Owners Guide (own2002), 3rd Printing USA (fus)

Locks and Security

Activating the memory feature To activate this feature: 1. Position the seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals to the desired positions. 2. Press and hold either the 1 or 2
control on the driver’s door for five seconds. (A tone will be heard after 11⁄2 seconds when the memory store is done) continue to hold until a second tone is heard after five seconds. 3. Within three seconds press the on the transmitter. 4. A tone will be heard when the activation is complete. 5. Repeat this procedure for another transmitter if desired. Deactivating the memory feature To deactivate this feature: 1. Press and hold either the 1 or 2 control on the driver’s door for five seconds. (A tone will be heard after 11⁄2 seconds when the memory store is done) continue to hold until a second tone is heard after five seconds. 2. Within three seconds press the 3. A tone will be heard when the deactivation is complete. 4. Repeat this procedure for another transmitter if desired.

on the transmitter.

Replacing the battery The Integrated Keyhead Transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin in the slot of the IKT near the key ring in order to remove the battery cover. Note: Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board. 2. Remove the old battery. Note: Please refer to local regulations when disposing of transmitter batteries. 106

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3. Insert the new battery. Refer to the instructions inside the IKT for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing cavity. 4. Snap the battery cover back onto the key. Note: Replacement of the battery will not cause the IKT to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The IKT should operate normally after battery replacement.

Replacing lost Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs) If you would like to have your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional IKTs, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all IKTs to your authorized dealer for reprogramming. How to reprogram your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs) To program a new Integrated Keyhead Transmitter yourself, refer to Programming spare keys in the SecuriLock威 passive anti-theft system section of this chapter. Note: At least two IKTs are required to perform this procedure yourself.

Illuminated entry The interior lamps and puddle lamps (if equipped) illuminate when the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter or the keyless entry system keypad is used to unlock the door(s). The illuminated entry system will turn off the interior lights if: • the ignition is turned to the on position, or • the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter • the vehicle is locked using the keyless entry keypad, or • after 25 seconds of illumination. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on with the dimmer control, or • any door is open.

control is pressed, or

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control on the transmitter is pressed:

Perimeter lamps illuminated entry With the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter system, the following items will illuminate when the • Headlamps • Park lamps • Tail lamps The lamps will automatically turn off: • if the ignition switch is turned to the on position, or • the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter lock control is pressed, or • the vehicle is locked using the keyless entry keypad, or • after 25 seconds of illumination. Note: On some vehicles, the perimeter lamps illuminated entry feature will not activate in daylight conditions. Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry You may enable/disable this feature by having your vehicle serviced by your authorized dealer. You may also perform the following power door lock sequence to enable/disable the perimeter lamps feature. Note: Before starting, ensure the ignition is in the 1 (off) position and all vehicle doors are closed. You must complete Steps 1–5 within 30 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. If the procedure needs to be repeated, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before beginning again. 1. Place the key in the ignition and turn the ignition to the 3 (on) position. 2. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times. 3. Turn the ignition from the 3 (on) position to the 1 (off) position. 4. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times. 5. Turn the ignition back to the 3 (on) position. The horn will chirp one time to confirm programming mode has been entered and is active.

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6. Press the power door unlock control twice within five seconds. Note: The horn will chirp once to indicate the perimeter lighting feature has been deactivated. The horn will chirp once and honk once (one short and one long) to indicate the perimeter lighting feature has been activated. 7. Turn the ignition to the 1 (off) position to exit the procedure. Note: The horn will chirp once to confirm the procedure is complete.

Illuminated exit • When all vehicle doors are closed and the key is removed from the ignition, the interior dome lamps (and the exterior mirror puddle lamps, if equipped) will illuminate.

The lights will turn off if all the doors remain closed and • 25 seconds elapse, or • the key is inserted in the ignition. Battery saver The battery saver will shut off the interior lamps 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned to the off position. • If the dome lamps were turned on using the panel dimmer control, the battery saver will shut them off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned to the off position. • If the courtesy lamps were turned on because one of the vehicle doors

or the liftgate was opened, the battery saver will shut them off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned to the off position. • The battery saver will shut off the headlamps 10 minutes after the

ignition has been turned to the off position.

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SECURICODE™ KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM You can use the keyless entry keypad to: • lock or unlock the doors without • open the trunk. • recall memory seat/power mirrors

using a key.

positions (if equipped).

The keypad can be operated with the factory set 5–digit entry code; this code is located on the owner’s wallet card in the glove box and is available from your authorized dealer. You can also create up to three of your own 5–digit personal entry codes. When pressing the controls on the keypad, press the middle of the controls to ensure a good activation. Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats and mirrors (if equipped) To create your own personal entry code: 1. Enter the factory set code. 2. Within five seconds press the 1 • 2 on the keypad. 3. Enter your personal 5-digit code. Each number must be entered within five seconds of each other. 4. For memory recall feature, enter the sixth digit 1 • 2 to store driver 1
settings or 3 • 4 to store driver 2 settings. Note: Pressing 5 • 6, 7 • 8, or 9 • 0 keypad numbers as a sixth digit will not recall a driver memory setting. Note: The factory-set code cannot be associated with a memory setting. 5. The doors will lock then unlock to confirm that your personal entry code has been programmed to the module. Tips: • Do not set a code that uses five of the same number. • Do not use five numbers in sequential order. • The factory set code will work even if you have set your own personal

code.

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Erasing personal code 1. Enter the factory set 5–digit code. 2. Within five seconds, press the 1 • 2 on the keypad and release. 3. Press and hold the 1 • 2 for two seconds. This must be done within five seconds of completing Step 2. All personal codes are now erased and only the factory set 5–digit code will work.

your Integrated Keyhead Transmitter.

control on the remote entry transmitter portion of

Anti-scan feature If the wrong code has been entered seven times (35 consecutive button presses), the keypad will go into an anti-scan mode. This mode disables the keypad for one minute and the keypad lamp will flash. The anti-scan feature will turn off after: • one minute of keypad inactivity. • pressing the • the ignition is turned on. Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry To unlock the driver’s door, enter the factory set 5-digit code or your personal code. Each number must be pressed within five seconds of each other. The interior lamps will illuminate. Note: If the two-stage unlocking feature is disabled, all doors will unlock; for more information regarding two-stage unlocking, refer to the Unlocking the doors/Two stage unlock section earlier in this chapter. To unlock all doors, enter the factory set code or your personal code, then press the 3 • 4 control within five seconds. To lock all doors, press and hold the 7 • 8 and the 9 • 0 at the same time (with the driver’s door closed). You do not need to enter the keypad code first.

SECURILOCK姞 PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM SecuriLock威 passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to help prevent the engine from being started unless a coded Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a “no-start” condition. Your vehicle comes with two coded Integrated Keyhead Transmitters; additional coded IKTs may be purchased from your authorized dealer.

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Standard SecuriLock威 keys without remote entry transmitter functionality can also be purchased from your authorized dealer if desired. The authorized dealer can program your spare IKTs to your vehicle or you can program the IKTs yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key. Note: The SecuriLock威 passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. Note: Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded IKT while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded IKT, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the IKT when starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on the key chain away from the coded IKT and restart the engine. Note: Do not leave a duplicate coded key in the vehicle. Always take your keys and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle.

Anti-theft indicator The anti-theft indicator is located in the instrument panel cluster. • When the ignition is in the off position, the indicator will flash once every two seconds to indicate the SecuriLock威 system is functioning as a theft deterrent.

• When the ignition is in the on position, the indicator will glow for

three seconds to indicate normal system functionality.

If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock威 system, the indicator will flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the on position. If this occurs, turn the ignition off then back to on to make sure there was no electronic interference with the programmed key. If the vehicle doesn’t start, try to start it with the 2nd programmed key and if successful contact your authorized dealership for key replacement. If the indicator still flashes rapidly or glows steadily, the vehicle will not start, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for service. 112

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Automatic arming The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the off position. The theft indicator will flash every two seconds to act as a theft deterrent when the vehicle is armed.

Automatic disarming The vehicle is disarmed immediately after the ignition is turned to the on position. The theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. If the theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Replacement Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKT) and coded keys Note: Your vehicle comes equipped with two Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs). The IKT functions as both a programmed ignition key that operates all the locks and starts the vehicle, as well as a remote keyless entry transmitter. A maximum of eight coded keys can be programmed to your vehicle; only four of these eight keys can be IKTs with remote entry functionality. If your IKTs or standard SecuriLock威 coded keys are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key, you will need to have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need to be programmed. Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional spare or replacement keys.

Programming spare keys You can program your own Integrated Keyhead Transmitters or standard SecuriLock威 coded keys to your vehicle. This procedure will program both the engine immobilizer keycode and the remote entry transmitter portion of the IKT to your vehicle. Note: A maximum of eight coded keys can be programmed to your vehicle; only four of these eight can be IKTs with remote entry functionality.

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SecuriLock威 keys.

Tips: • Only use Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs) or standard • You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible.

• If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must take your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare key(s) programmed.

Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin. 1. Insert the first previously programmed coded key into the ignition. 2. Turn the ignition from the 1 (off) position to the 3 (on) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (on) position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds. 3. Turn the ignition to the 1 (off) position and remove the first coded key from the ignition. 4. After three seconds but within 10 seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (off) position, insert the second previously coded key into the ignition. 5. Turn the ignition from the 1 (off) position to the 3 (on) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (on) position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds. 6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (off) position and remove the second previously programmed coded key from the ignition. 7. After three seconds but within 20 seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (off) position and removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the new unprogrammed key (new key/valet key) into the ignition. 8. Turn the ignition from the 1 (off) position to the 3 (on) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (on) position for at least six seconds. 9. Remove the newly programmed coded key from the ignition. If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle’s engine and will operate the remote entry system (if the new key is an 114

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Integrated Keyhead Transmitter). The theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and then go out to indicate successful programming. If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your vehicle’s engine and/or will not operate the remote entry features. The theft indicator light may flash on and off. Wait 20 seconds and you may repeat Steps 1 through 8. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the new key(s) programmed. To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), wait 20 seconds and then repeat this procedure from Step 1.

PERIMETER ALARM SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) The perimeter anti-theft system will help protect your vehicle from unauthorized entry. If there is any potential perimeter anti-theft problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL Integrated Keyhead Transmitters are brought to the authorized dealer to aid in troubleshooting.

Arming the system When armed, this system will respond if unauthorized entry is attempted. When unauthorized entry occurs, the system will flash the turn signal lamps and will sound the horn. The system is ready to arm whenever the key is in the off position, or is removed from the ignition. Either of the following actions will prearm the alarm system: • Press the

control on the remote entry transmitter portion of your

Integrated Keyhead Transmitter. When you press the lock control twice within three seconds on the remote entry transmitter portion of your IKT, the horn will chirp once to let you know that all doors, the hood and the trunk are closed. If any of these are not closed, the horn will chirp twice to warn you that a door, the hood or the trunk is still open.

• Press the driver or passenger interior door lock control while the door is open, then close the door.

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controls on the keyless entry pad at the same time to lock the doors (driver’s door must be closed).

There is a 20 second countdown when any of the above actions occur before the vehicle becomes armed. Each door, the hood, and the trunk is armed individually, and if any are open, they must be closed before the open entry point (door, hood, or trunk) can enter the 20 second countdown. The turn signal lamps will flash once when all doors, the hood and the trunk are closed indicating the vehicle is locked and entering the 20 second countdown.

your Integrated Keyhead Transmitter.

Disarming the system You can disarm the system by any of the following actions: • Unlock the doors by using the remote entry transmitter portion of • Unlock the doors by using your keyless entry pad. • Unlock the driver’s door with a key. Turn the key full rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to ensure the alarm disarms. • Turn ignition to the on position with a valid SecuriLock威 key or • Press the panic control on the remote entry transmitter portion of your IKT. This will only shut off the horn and turn lamps when the alarm is sounding. The alarm system will still be armed.

Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT).

Pressing the power door unlock control within the 20 second prearmed mode will return the vehicle to a disarmed state. Triggering the anti-theft system The armed system will be triggered if: • Any door, the hood or the trunk is opened without using the door key, • The ignition is turned to the on position with an invalid SecuriLock威

keypad or the remote entry transmitter portion of your IKT.

key or IKT.

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SEATING

WARNING: Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal

injuries in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Adjustable head restraints

WARNING: To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint while the vehicle is in motion.

Head restraints help to limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. Adjust your head restraint so that it is located directly or as close as possible behind your head. The head restraints can be moved up by pulling up on the head restraint.

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Push release button to lower head restraint.

Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped) The lumbar support control is located on the outboard side of the seatback. Move the control up or down to adjust lumbar support.

Folding down the front passenger seatback The front passenger seatback can be folded to a horizontal position to make room for a long load. To fold the seatback: 1. Move the seat as far back as possible. 2. Push the head restraint release button and move the head restraint fully down. 3. Pull the strap located on the back of the seat to fold the front passenger seatback. 4. Without releasing the pull strap, push the seatback forward. 5. Move the seat as far forward as possible.

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WARNING: Cover sharp edges on the load and properly secure the load to prevent injury to occupants from shifting load during

sudden stops.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)

WARNING: Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift handle to move seat forward or backward.

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Pull lever up to adjust seatback.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its

original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)

WARNING: Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING: Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

WARNING: Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal

injuries in the event of a collision.

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

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

equipped) when 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. Refer to Front passenger sensing system section for additional details. Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front passenger seat sensing system.

The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Press the front or rear portion to tilt the seat. • Driver

Press the control to move the seat forward, backward, up or down. • Driver

Press the control to move the seat forward, or backward. • Passenger

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Press the control (if equipped) to recline the seatback forward or rearward.

Heated seats (if equipped)

WARNING: Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord

injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions, must exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat heater to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or other pointed objects because this may damage the heating element which may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may cause serious personal injury.

Note: Do not do the following: • Place heavy objects on the seat • Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the

seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.

To operate the heated seats: • Press the control located on the climate control system panel once to activate high heat. • Press twice to activate low heat. • Press a third time to deactivate. The indicator light on the control will illuminate when activated. For low heat, one light will be lit; for high heat, both lights will be lit.

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Memory seat/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped) This system allows automatic positioning of the driver seat, outside rearview mirrors and adjustable pedals to two programmable positions. The memory seat control is located on the driver door. • To program position one, move the driver seat, exterior mirrors and adjustable pedals to the desired positions using the associated controls. Press and hold control button 1 for at least two seconds.

• To program position two, repeat the previous procedure using control

button 2.

A position can only be recalled when the transmission gearshift is in Park (automatic transmission). A memory seat position may be programmed at any time. The memory seat positions are also recalled when you press your remote entry transmitter programmed to a memory seat position or when you enter a valid customer code 1 or 2 on the keypad. To program the memory seat to remote entry transmitter, refer to Remote entry system in the Locks and Security chapter. Note: The seat will not travel to its final position if the key is not in the ignition and the easy entry feature is enabled.

(unlock) control and the transmitter is

REAR SEATS

Head restraints (if equipped) Lift the head restraint so that it is located directly or as close as possible behind your head.

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The head restraints can be moved up by pulling up on the head restraint.

Push the release button to lower head restraint.

Split-folding rear seat One or both rear seatbacks can be folded down to provide additional cargo space. To lower the seatback(s) from inside the vehicle, pull the strap located on the outboard side of the seatback to release it, and then fold seatback down.

When raising the seatback(s), make sure you hear the seat latch into place.

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WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the

seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Seat-mounted cup holders and armrest storage compartment (if equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with cup holders and a storage compartment, they are located in the rear seat armrest. To access the cup holders, rotate armrest into use position. To open the storage compartment (if equipped), pull up on the latch.

WARNING: Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can injure you in a collision.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Personal Safety System姞 The Personal Safety System威 provides an improved overall level of frontal crash protection to front seat occupants and is designed to help further reduce the risk of airbag-related injuries. The system is able to analyze different occupant conditions and crash severity before activating the appropriate safety devices to help better protect a range of occupants in a variety of frontal crash situations. Your vehicle’s Personal Safety System威 consists of: • Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints. • Front outboard safety belts with pretensioners, energy management

retractors (first row only), and safety belt usage sensors.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • Driver’s seat position sensor. • Front passenger sensing system • “Passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp • Front crash severity sensor. • Restraints Control Module (RCM) with impact and safing sensors. • Restraint system warning light and back-up tone. • The electrical wiring for the airbags, crash sensor(s), safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt usage sensors, driver seat position sensor, front passenger sensing system, and indicator lights.

How does the Personal Safety System姞 work? The Personal Safety System威 can adapt the deployment strategy of your vehicle’s safety devices according to crash severity and occupant conditions. A collection of crash and occupant sensors provides information to the Restraints Control Module (RCM). During a crash, the RCM activates the safety belt pretensioners and/or either one or both stages of the dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints based on crash severity and occupant conditions. The fact that the pretensioners or airbags did not activate for both front seat occupants in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the Personal Safety System威 determined the accident conditions (crash severity, belt usage, etc.) were not appropriate to activate these safety devices. Front airbags are designed to activate only in frontal and near-frontal collisions (not rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts) unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The pretensioners are designed to activate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, and in side collisions and rollovers. Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints The dual-stage airbags offer the capability to tailor the level of airbag inflation energy. A lower, less forceful energy level is provided for more common, moderate-severity impacts. A higher energy level is used for the most severe impacts. Refer to Airbag supplemental restraints (SRS) section in this chapter. Front crash severity sensor The front crash severity sensor enhances the ability to detect the severity of an impact. Positioned up front, it provides valuable information early in the crash event on the severity of the impact. This allows your Personal Safety System威 to distinguish between different 126

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levels of crash severity and modify the deployment strategy of the dual-stage airbags and safety belt pretensioners. Driver’s seat position sensor The driver’s seat position sensor allows your Personal Safety System威 to tailor the deployment level of the driver dual-stage airbag based on seat position. The system is designed to help protect smaller drivers sitting close to the driver airbag by providing a lower airbag output level. Front passenger sensing system For airbags to do their job they must inflate with great force, and this force can pose a potentially deadly risk to occupants that are very close to the airbag when it begins to inflate. For some occupants, this occurs because they are initially sitting very close to the airbag. For other occupants, this occurs when the occupant is not properly restrained by safety belts or child safety seats and they move forward during pre-crash braking. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary injuries is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are much safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front.

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

bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

WARNING: When possible, all children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position.

The front passenger sensing system can automatically turn off the passenger front airbag. The system is designed to help protect small (child size) occupants from airbag deployments when they are improperly seated or restrained in the front passenger seat contrary to proper child-seating or restraint usage recommendations. Even with this technology, parents are STRONGLY encouraged to always properly restrain children in the rear seat. The sensor also turns off the passenger front airbag and seat-mounted side airbag when the passenger seat is empty to prevent unnecessary replacement of airbag(s) after a collision. Front safety belt usage sensors The front safety belt usage sensors detect whether or not the driver and front outboard passenger safety belts are fastened. This information

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allows your Personal Safety System威 to tailor the airbag deployment and safety belt pretensioner activation depending upon safety belt usage. Front safety belt pretensioners The safety belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are designed to tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body during frontal collisions, and in side collisions and rollovers. This helps increase the effectiveness of the safety belts. In frontal collisions, the safety belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of sufficient severity, together with the front airbags. Front safety belt energy management retractors The front outboard safety belt energy management retractors allow webbing to be pulled out of the retractor in a gradual and controlled manner in response to the occupant’s forward momentum. This helps reduce the risk of force-related injuries to the occupant’s chest by limiting the load on the occupant. Refer to Energy management feature- front outboard section in this chapter. Determining if the Personal Safety System姞 is operational The Personal Safety System威 uses a warning light in the instrument cluster or a back-up 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 Personal Safety System威 is not required. The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s), safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, driver seat position sensor, and front passenger sensing system. In addition, the RCM also monitors the restraints warning light in the instrument cluster. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following. • The warning light will either flash or stay lit. • The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

turned on.

periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Personal Safety System威 serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision. 128

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Safety belt precautions

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

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.

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

bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

WARNING: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

WARNING: Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one

tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

WARNING: When possible, all children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position.

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WARNING: Front and rear seat occupants, including pregnant women, should wear safety belts for optimum protection in an

accident.

Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

2. To unfasten, press the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

All restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. While you are fastened in the safety belt, the combination lap/shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the safety belt will become locked and help reduce your forward movement.

Energy management feature — front outboard • This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management

feature at the front seats to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.

• The energy management feature has a retractor assembly that is

designed to extend the safety belt webbing in a controlled manner. This helps reduce the belt force acting on the user’s chest.

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WARNING: Failure to inspect and replace if necessary the belt and retractor assembly after an accident could increase the risk

of injury in a collision.

All safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. All of the passenger combination lap and shoulder belts have two types of locking modes described below:

Vehicle sensitive mode This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.

Automatic locking mode

When to use the automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. This mode should be used any time a child safety seat (except a booster) is installed in a passenger front or outboard rear seating position (if equipped). Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. Refer to Safety restraints for children or Safety seats for children later in this chapter. How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is pulled out.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode

WARNING: Ford Motor Company recommends that all passenger safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware should be inspected by an authorized dealer after any collision to verify that the ⬙automatic locking retractor⬙ feature for child seats is still working properly. Safety belt assemblies should be inspected by an authorized dealer and must be replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

Safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the front outboard seating positions. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To adjust the shoulder belt height, squeeze the button and slide the height adjuster up or down. Release the button and pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place. 132

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WARNING: Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust

the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front outboard passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioner tightens the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body at the start of the crash.

WARNING: The driver and front passenger safety belt system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be

replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and Safety Canopy威, and safety belt pretensioners.

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is an 8 inch (20 cm) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended.

WARNING: Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

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Conditions of operation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the on position... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the on position...

Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates 1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

Belt-Minder姞 The Belt-Minder威 feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning light in the instrument cluster when the driver’s and front passenger’s safety belt is unbuckled. The Belt-Minder威 feature uses information from the front passenger sensing system to determine if a front seat passenger is present and therefore potentially in need of a warning. To avoid activating the Belt-Minder威 feature for objects placed in the front passenger seat, warnings will only be given to large front seat occupants as determined by the front passenger sensing system. Both the driver’s and passenger’s safety belt usages are monitored and either may activate the Belt-Minder威 feature. The warnings are the same for the driver and the front passenger. If the Belt-Minder威 warnings have expired (warnings for approximately five minutes) for one occupant (driver or front passenger), the other occupant can still activate the Belt-Minder威 feature.

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If... The driver’s and front passenger’s safety belts are buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the on position or less than 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to on... The driver’s or front passenger’s safety belt is not buckled when the vehicle has reached at least 3 mph (5 km/h) and 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to on... The driver’s or front passenger’s safety belt becomes unbuckled for approximately one minute while the vehicle is traveling at least 3 mph (5 km/h) and more than 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to on...

Then... The Belt-Minder威 feature will not activate.

The Belt-Minder威 feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for six seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately five minutes or until the safety belts are buckled. The Belt-Minder威 feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for six seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately five minutes or until the safety belts are buckled.

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The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts (All statistics based on U.S. data): Reasons given... “Crashes are rare events”

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles (40 km) of home. We design our safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. Prime time for an accident. Belt-Minder威 reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted. Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see.

“I’m not going far”

“Belts are uncomfortable”

“I was in a hurry”

“Safety belts don’t work”

“Traffic is light”

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

“The people I’m with don’t wear belts”

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Reasons given... “I have an airbag”

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

Seating and Safety Restraints

Consider... Airbags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea. People who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR CRASH”.

WARNING: Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minder威 chime. To

do so may adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system.

One-time disable If at any time the driver/front passenger quickly buckles then unbuckles the safety belt for that seating position, the Belt-Minder威 is disabled for the current ignition cycle. The Belt-Minder威 feature will enable during the same ignition cycle if the occupant buckles and remains buckled for approximately 30 seconds. Confirmation is not given for the one time disable. Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder姞 feature The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder威 are deactivated/activated independently. When deactivating/activating one seating position, do not buckle the other position as this will terminate the process. Read Steps 1 - 4 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. Note: The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder威 features must be disabled/enabled separately. Both cannot be disable/enabled during the same key cycle. The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder威 features can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure:

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Before following the procedure, make sure that: • The parking brake is set • The gearshift is in P (Park) • The ignition switch is in the off position • The driver and front passenger safety belts are unbuckled

WARNING: While the design allows you to deactivate your Belt-Minder威, this system is designed to improve your chances of

being safely belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you leave the Belt-Minder威 system activated for yourself and others who may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt-Minder威 feature while driving the vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position. DO NOT START THE ENGINE. 2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off (Approximately one minute). • Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt

warning light turns off.

3. For the seating position being disabled, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt nine times at a moderate speed, ending in the unbuckled state. Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt warning light turns off. • After Step 3, the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three

seconds.

4. Within approximately seven seconds of the light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. • This will disable the Belt-Minder威 feature for that seating position if it is currently enabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds. • This will enable the Belt-Minder威 feature for that seating position if it is currently disabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the light off, then followed by the safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds again.

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AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

The airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is designed to work in conjunction with the safety belts to help protect the driver and front outboard passenger from certain upper body injuries. The term “supplemental restraint” means the airbags are intended as a supplement to the safety belts. Airbags alone cannot protect as well as airbags plus safety belts in impacts for which the airbags are designed to deploy, and airbags do not offer any protection in crashes for which they do not deploy.

Important supplemental restraint system precautions Airbags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying airbag is greatest close to the trim covering the airbag module.

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

bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

WARNING: When possible, all children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position.

WARNING: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 10 inches

(25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and the driver airbag module.

WARNING: Never place your arm over the airbag module as a deploying airbag can result in serious arm fractures or other

injuries.

Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the airbag: • Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the • Recline the seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright

pedals comfortably.

position.

WARNING: Do not put anything on or over the airbag module. Placing objects on or over the airbag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the airbag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) or its fuses. See your

authorized dealer.

WARNING: Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle (including frame, bumper, front end body structure

and tow hooks) may affect the performance of the airbag system, increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.

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Children and airbags Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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 seat all the way back.

How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work? The airbag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains longitudinal 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. Front airbags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration.

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The airbags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After airbag 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 airbag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying airbag may also cause abrasions or swelling. Temporary hearing loss is also a possibility as a result of the noise associated with a deploying airbag. Because airbags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the airbag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.

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

WARNING: If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

airbags).

The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger airbag modules (which include the inflators and • side airbags and Safety Canopy威. Refer to Seat-mounted side airbag • one or more impact and safing sensors. 142

system and Safety Canopy威 system later in this chapter.

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• driver and front passenger safety belt pretensioner • a readiness light and tone. • diagnostic module. • the electrical wiring which connects the components. • Front passenger sensing system. Refer to Front passenger sensing • “Passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp. Refer to

system later in this chapter.

Front passenger sensing system later in this chapter.

The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental airbag electrical system wiring (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the airbag system readiness light, the airbag back up power and the airbag ignitors.

Front passenger sensing system The front passenger sensing system is designed to meet the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208
and is designed to disable (will not inflate) the front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The front passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly seated occupant and determine if the front passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or disabled (will not inflate). The front passenger sensing system will disable (will not inflate) the front passenger’s frontal airbag if: • the front passenger seat is unoccupied, or has small/medium objects in • the system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant • the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing

seat that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions,

the front seat,

child restraint that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions,

• the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat, • a front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of • a child or a small person occupies the front passenger seat.

time,

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The front passenger sensing system will turn off the passenger seat side airbag if: • the seat is empty and safety belt is unbuckled. 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 above the glove box on the instrument panel. 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 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 • Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, • 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.

with the person’s legs comfortably extended.

full upright position.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • If the indicator lamp remains lit even after this, the person should be

advised to ride in the rear seat.

Occupant

Empty seat Small child in child safety seat or booster Small child with safety belt buckled or unbuckled Adult

Pass Airbag Off Indicator Light Unlit Lit

Lit

Unlit

Passenger Airbag

Disabled Disabled

Disabled

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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Pass Airbag Off Indicator Light Unlit

Objects

Passenger Airbag

Lit

Lit

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Small (i.e. three-ring binder, small purse, bottled water) Medium (i.e. heavy briefcase, fully packed luggage) Empty seat, or small to medium object with safety belt buckled 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 • 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 passenger sensing system. The person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or lighter due to the conditions described in the list above.

equipped)

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 lamp in the instrument cluster will stay lit. If the airbag readiness lamp 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 • Remove the obstruction(s) (if found). • Restart the vehicle. • Wait at least two minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is • If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may/not

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

no longer illuminated

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 chapter 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 back-up 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 • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

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. The side airbag system consists of the following: • An inflatable nylon bag (airbag) 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 airbags. • Crash sensors located on the B

and C pillars (one sensor on each pillar on each side of the vehicle).

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. If the front passenger sensing system detects an empty seat, the front passenger seat-mounted side airbag will be deactivated. 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.

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

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.

Safety Canopy姞 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威. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door. The Safety Canopy威 could injure you as it deploys from the headliner.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Safety Canopy威 system, its fuses, the A, B, or C pillar trim, or

the headliner on a vehicle containing a Safety Canopy威. See your authorized dealer.

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

and Safety Canopy威 system is provided.

WARNING: To reduce risk of injury, do not obstruct or place objects in the deployment path of the inflatable Safety Canopy威.

How does the Safety Canopy姞 system work? The design and development of the Safety Canopy威 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 the Safety Canopy威). The Safety Canopy威 system consists of the following: • An inflatable nylon curtain with a gas generator concealed behind the headliner and above the doors (one on each side of vehicle). • A headliner designed to flex open • The same readiness airbag light, electronic control and diagnostic unit • Two crash sensors mounted on the B pillar (one on each side of the • Two crash sensors located at the C pillar behind the rear doors (one • Rollover sensor in the restraints control module (RCM).

above the side doors to allow Safety Canopy威 deployment.

as used for the front airbags.

on each side of the vehicle).

vehicle).

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The Safety Canopy威 system, in combination with safety belts, can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision or rollover event. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in the second row seats. The Safety Canopy威 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 opening. The Safety Canopy威 system is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the side crash sensor to close an electrical circuit that initiates Safety Canopy威 inflation or when a certain likelihood of a rollover event is detected by the rollover sensor. The Safety Canopy威 is mounted to roof side-rail sheet metal, behind the headliner, above each row of seats. In certain lateral collisions or rollover events, the Safety Canopy威 system will be activated, regardless of which seats are occupied. The Safety Canopy威 is designed to inflate between the side window area and occupants to further enhance protection provided in side impact collisions and rollover events. The fact that the Safety Canopy威 did not activate 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 Safety Canopy威 is designed to inflate in certain side impact collisions or rollover events, not in rear impact, frontal or near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration or rollover likelihood.

WARNING: Several Safety Canopy威 system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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WARNING: If the Safety Canopy威 system has deployed, the Safety Canopy威 will not function again unless replaced. The

Safety Canopy威 system (including the A, B, C, and D pillar trim and headliner) must be inspected and serviced by an authorized dealer. If the Safety Canopy威 is not replaced, it will not function again, which will increase the risk of injury in a future 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 Airbag readiness 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 airbag light (same light as for front airbag system) will • The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

either flash or stay lit.

turned on.

periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

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

SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ The SOS Post-Crash Alert 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 SOS Post-Crash Alert 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 For disposal of airbags or airbag equipped vehicles, see your authorized dealer. 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 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. 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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Child size, height, weight, or age Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or less (generally age four or younger)

Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children Recommended restraint type Use a child safety seat (sometimes called an infant carrier, convertible seat, or toddler seat). Use a belt-positioning booster seat.

Infants or toddlers

Small children

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 between 40 lbs (18 kg) and 80 lbs (36 kg) and upward to 100 lbs (45 kg) if recommended by your child restraint manufacturer) 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)

Larger children

Use a vehicle safety belt having the lap belt snug and low across the hips, shoulder belt centered across the shoulder and chest, and seatback upright. • You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and • 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.

toddlers in the U.S. and Canada.

• 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

Use any attachment method as indicated

below by “X”

LATCH (lower anchors only)

LATCH (lower anchors and top tether anchor)

Safety belt and top tether anchor

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

Safety belt only

Restraint Type

Child Weight

Rear facing child seat Forward facing child seat Forward facing child seat

Up to 48 lb (21 kg) Up to 48 lb (21 kg) Over 48 lb (21 kg)

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

bag. 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.

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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 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. 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.