1998 FORD MUSTANG sensor

How does the air bag supplemental restraint
system work?
The air bag SRS is
designed to activate
when the vehicle
sustains sufficient
longitudinal
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. Air
bags are designed to inflate in frontal and
near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or
rear-impacts.
The air bags inflate and
deflate rapidly upon
activation. After air bag
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 air bag. 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, it may also cause minor burns, abrasions,
swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags
must inflate rapidly and with considerable force,
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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 air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely
important that occupants be properly restrained as
far away from the air bag module as possible while
maintaining vehicle control.
Several air bag system components get hot
after inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
If the air bag is 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.
The SRS consists of:
²driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
²one or more impact and safing sensors,
²a readiness light and tone
²and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal
circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical
system warning (including the impact sensors), the
system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the
air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
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 theAir bag readinesssection in
theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance
of the air bag is not required.
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The parking brake is not recommended to stop a
moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail,
the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle
in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies
only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance
will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle
will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First)
(manual transmission).
Your brake handle may
need to be pulled up
slightly to release
pressure before
pushing in the button.
Push the button on the
end of the parking
brake and push the handle down as far as possible
to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Controlysystem. This system helps you
maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces. The system operates by detecting and
controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of
the electronic and mechanical elements already
present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to
be detected by the Traction Controlyportion of the
ABS computer. Any excessive wheel spin is
controlled by automatically applying and releasing
the rear brakes in conjunction with engine torque
reductions. Engine torque reduction is realized via
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