Page 119 of 240

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, contact with
a deploying air bag may also cause 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.
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
²a diagnostic module
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.
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
Seating and safety restraints
119
Page 137 of 240

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 the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Controly
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem requires service, or
²the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Controlysystem will be on every time you turn the ignition
key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the traction
control switch on the instrument panel left of the steering column.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
137
Page 155 of 240
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
26 10A Right Hand Low Beam
27 25A Lighting Control Module (LCM), Main
Light Switch, Cornering Lamps, Fuel Tank
Pressure Sensor
28 20A* Power Windows
29 Ð Not Used
30 Ð Not Used
31 Ð Not Used
32 20A ABS Values
* Maxi fuse
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and carechapter.
Roadside emergencies
155
Page 238 of 240

GVWR ......................................143
trailer towing ..........................143
Locks
autolock .....................................86
childproof ..................................83
doors ..........................................82
Lubricant specifications ...218±219
Lumbar support, seats .............102
M
Message center ...........................22
reset button ..............................23
select button .............................23
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................78
cleaning ...................................212
side view mirrors (power) .......83
Motorcraft parts ................200, 216
O
Octane rating ............................198
Odometer .....................................19
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................171
Overdrive .............................68, 141
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................88
Parking brake ............................135
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....216
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................104
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................64Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................155
Power door locks ..................82, 86
Power steering ..........................138
fluid, checking and adding ....183
fluid, refill capacity ................216
fluid, specifications .........218±219
R
Radio ............................................38
Rear window defroster ...............38
Relays ................................152, 157
Remote entry system ...........84, 88
illuminated entry ......................88
locking/unlocking doors ...........85
opening the trunk .....................87
panic alarm ...............................88
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................89
replacing the batteries .............88
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............16, 102, 106±110
Safety defects, reporting ..........233
Safety restraints ........102, 106±110
belt minder .............................112
cleaning the safety belts..115, 215
extension assembly ................111
for adults .........................107±109
for children .....................120±121
lap belt ....................................110
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................104
warning light and
chime ...................11, 16, 111±112
Safety seats for children ..........122
Index
238