1999 FORD EXPLORER sensor

The reverse sensing system detects
obstacles within approximately 1.8
meters (5.9 ft.) of the rear bumper
with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the figures for approximate
zone coverage areas). As you move
closer to the obstacle, the rate of
the tone increases. When the
distance to the obstacle is less than
25.0 cm (10 in.), the tone will sound
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side
of the vehicle, the tone will sound
for only 3 second. Once the system
detects an object approaching, the
tone will sound again.
A reverse sensing control allows the
driver to enable and disable the RSS
when the ignition is ON. The
reverse sensing control indicator
momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON.
The OFF indicator remains
illuminated when the system is
disabled. The system defaults to ON every time the reverse gear is
selected. Press the control to disable or enable the system.
The indicator will remain illuminated to indicate a failure of the reverse
sensing system.
Always keep the sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from dirt, snow and ice (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects). These elements may cause the system to operate
inaccurately.
If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles.
OFF
Controls and features
32

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Children and air bags
For additional important safety
information, read all information on
safety restraints in this guide.
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.
Air bags can kill or injure a
child in a child seat.
NEVERplace 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.
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.
Seating and safety restraints
128

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, 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
Seating and safety restraints
129

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 readiness
section in theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
²The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
²The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
²A 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 your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Side air bag system (if equipped)
Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat
covers may prevent the deployment of the side air bags and
increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Do not lean your head on the door, the side air bag could injure
you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System, its fuses or the seat cover on a
seat containing an air bag. See your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Seating and safety restraints
130

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always
wear their safety belts even when an air bag SRS is provided.
How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
²An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
²A special seat cover designed to
allow airbag deployment.
²The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.
²Two crash sensors located under
the outboard side of the front
seats, attached to the floor.
Side air bags, in combination with
seat 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, even if the respective seat is not
occupied. 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
sufficient lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an
electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation.
Seating and safety restraints
131

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
20 7.5A RAP Module, Generic Electronic Module
(GEM), Radio
21 15A Flasher (Hazard)
22 20A Auxiliary Power Socket
23 Ð Not Used
24 7.5A Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) Switch, Starter
Interrupt Relay, Anti-Theft
25 7.5A Generic Electronic Module (GEM),
Instrument Cluster, Securi-Lock
26 10A Battery Saver Relay, Electronic Shift Relay,
Interior Lamp Relay, Electronic Shift Control
Module
27 15A DRL, Backup Lamps Switch, DTR Sensor,
Electric Shift
28 7.5A Generic Electronic Module (GEM), Radio,
Memory Seat
29 10A Radio
30 15A Park Lamp/Trailer Tow Relay
31 Ð Not Used
32 10A Heated Mirror
33 15A Headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Instrument Cluster
34 7.5A Rear Integrated Control Panel, CD
35 7.5A Rear Blower Motor (w/EATC)
36 7.5A EATC Memory, CD, Rear Integrated Control
Panel, Memory Seat, Message Center
Roadside emergencies
183

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
3 30A* Heated Backlight
4 15A* Fog Lamps and Daytime Running Lamps
5 Ð Not Used
6 10A* Powertrain Control Module
7 30A* 4 Wheel Anti-Lock System (4WABS) Module
8 15A* Rear Wiper Motor
9 20A* Fuel Pump Relay and RAP Module
10 15A* Horn Relay
11 15A* Parklamps Relay and Mainlight Switch
12 30A* Mainlight Switch and Multifunction Switch
13 15A* Heated Oxygen Sensor, EGR Vacuum
Regulator, EVR Solenoid, Camshaft Position
(CMP) Sensor, Canister Vent Solenoid
14 30A* Generator/Voltage Regulator
15 Ð Not Used
1 Ð Wiper Park Relay
2 Ð A/C Relay
3 Ð Wiper High/Low Relay
4 Ð PCM Power Relay
5 Ð Fuel Pump Relay
6 Ð Starter Relay
7 Ð Horn Relay
8 Ð Rear Wipe Down Relay
9 Ð Blower Motor Relay
10 Ð Rear Wipe Up Relay
1 Ð Not Used
1 Ð Not Used
2 Ð Electronic Engine Controls Diode
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
15.0L Engines Only
Roadside emergencies
186