How does the side air bag system work?
The design and development of the side air bag system included
recommended testing procedures that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as the Side Air Bag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of side air bags.
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
•An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
•A special seat cover designed to
allow air bag deployment.
•The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.
•Two crash sensors located under
the outboard side of the front
seats, attached to the floor.
Side air bags, in combination with safety belts, can help reduce the risk
of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected
by the collision will be inflated. The front passenger sensing system will
turn off the passenger seat side air bag if the seat is empty. The air bag
was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further
enhance the protection provided to occupants in side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to initiate air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.
2005 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
102
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. 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 Controlportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions.
The Traction Controlsystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces while you are trying to
accelerate or while your foot is on the accelerator pedal. The system is a
driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow
and ice covered roads.
During Traction Controloperation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate. If your vehicle is
equipped with a message center, a
message will display during Traction
Controloperation. You may hear
an electric motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment
and the engine will not“rev-up”when you push further on the
accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be no reason for
concern.
2005 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
150
L
Lampsbulb replacement
specifications chart ..................36
daytime running light ...............32
fog lamps ...................................32
headlamps ...........................32, 36
headlamps, flash to pass ..........33
instrument panel, dimming .....33
interior lamps ...........................35
replacing bulbs ...................35 –41
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................35
Lights, warning and indicator ....10 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........148
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) ....................151
Load limits .................................135
Locks autolock .....................................63
Lubricant specifications ...222, 224
Lug nuts ....................................125
Lumbar support, seats ...............78
M
Manual transmission .................156 fluid capacities ........................220
lubricant specifications ..........224
reverse .....................................157
Message center .....................50 –51
english/metric button .........54 –55
system check button ................54
warning messages .....................56
Mirrors side view mirrors (power) .......47
Motorcraft parts ................210, 219 O
Octane rating ............................209
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................193
P
Parking brake ............................149
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....219
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................82
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................163
Power door locks ........................63
Power mirrors .............................47
Power point .................................44
Power steering ..........................149
fluid, checking and adding ....216
fluid, refill capacity ................220
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
Power Windows ...........................44
R
Radio ......................................19, 22
Relays ........................................160
Remote entry system .................67 illuminated entry ......................70
opening the trunk .....................68
Roadside assistance ..................158
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............94
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...80, 84 –88
Safety defects, reporting ..........181
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USA_English (fus)
Index
234
Safety restraints ..............80, 84–88
belt minder ...............................90
extension assembly ..................93
for adults .............................85 –88
for children .............................104
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................82
safety belt maintenance ...........94
warning light and chime ..........89
Safety seats for children ..........107
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............80
Seats ............................................76 child safety seats ....................107
front seats .................................77
Servicing your vehicle ..............189
Setting the clock AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................24
Spark plugs, specifications ......219, 224–225
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 224
Speed control ..............................47
Starting your vehicle .......143 –144,
147
jump starting ..........................167
Steering wheel tilting .........................................43
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................43
Tires ...........................116 –117, 121
alignment ................................132
care ..........................................131
changing ..........................121 –122
checking the pressure ............119
inspecting and inflating .........118 label .........................................130
replacing ..................................121
rotating ....................................133
safety practices .......................132
sidewall information ...............125
snow tires and chains ............134
spare tire .................................121
terminology .............................117
tire grades ...............................117
treadwear ........................116, 131
Towing .......................................140 recreational towing .................142
trailer towing ..........................140
wrecker ....................................172
Traction control ........................150
Traction-lok rear axle ...............151
Transmission automatic operation ...............151
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....151
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................217
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................218
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
manual operation ....................156
Trunk ...........................................65 remote release ..........................68
Turn signal ..................................35
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................225
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................227
Vehicle loading ..........................135
Ventilating your vehicle ...........147
2005 05+ Mustang (197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)
Index
235