2009 FORD EXPLORER sensor

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 an inflator 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
front doors 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:All occupants of the vehicle including the driver
should always wear their safety belts even when an airbag SRS
and Safety Canopy
system is provided.
WARNING:To reduce risk of injury, do not obstruct or place
objects in the deployment path of the inflatable Safety Canopy
.
How does the Safety Canopysystem work?
The design and development of the
Safety Canopy
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
).
The Safety Canopy
system consists
of the following:
•An inflatable nylon curtain with
an inflator concealed behind the
headliner and above the doors
(one on each side of the vehicle).
•A headliner that will flex to open
above the side doors to allow Safety Canopy
deployment.
•The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used
for the front airbags.
•Two side crash sensors mounted at the front doors (one on each side
of the vehicle).
•Two side crash sensors located at the c-pillar behind the rear doors
(one on each side of the vehicle).
•Roll over sensor in the restraints control module (RCM).
The Safety Canopy
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.
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Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in
the second or third row seats (if equipped). The Safety Canopy
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 openings.
The Safety Canopy
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
inflation or when
a certain likelihood of a rollover event is detected by the rollover sensor.
The Safety Canopy
is mounted to the roof side-rail sheet metal, behind
the headliner, above the first and second row seats. In certain lateral
collisions or rollover events, the Safety Canopy
system will be activated,
regardless of which seats are occupied. The Safety Canopy
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
system 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
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
system components get hot
after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.
WARNING:If the Safety
Canopy
system has
deployed,the Safety Canopy

will not function again. The
Safety Canopy
system
(including the A, B and C
pillar trim) must be inspected
and serviced by an authorized
dealer.If the Safety Canopy
is
not replaced, the unrepaired area
will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
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It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on
your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Ford Motor Company
may affect the operation of your Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your TPMS is malfunctioning. Your
replacement tire might be incompatible with your TPMS, or some
component of the TPMS may be damaged.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five
seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
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The Tire Pressure Monitoring System complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
WARNING:The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is NOT a
substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure
should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge,
seeInflating your tiresin this chapter. Failure to properly maintain
your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss of control,
vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Changing tires with TPMS
Each road tire is equipped with
a tire pressure sensor fastened
to the inside rim of the wheel.
The pressure sensor is covered
by the tire and is not visible
unless the tire is removed. The
pressure sensor is located
opposite (180 degrees) from the
valve stem. Care must be taken
when changing the tire to avoid
damaging the sensor.It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by an authorized
dealer.
The tire pressure should be checked
periodically (at least monthly) using
an accurate tire gauge, refer to
Inflating your tiresin this chapter.
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Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
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The radar sensor is located behind the rear bumper/fascia. Always
keep the rear bumper/fascia free from snow, ice and large
accumulations of dirt. 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 or false alarms.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. Do not use
4X4 High or 4X4 Low on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4X4 High and 4X4 Low are only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. The use of 4X4 High or 4X4 Low on these surfaces may
produce some noise, such as occasional clunks, but will not damage the
drive system.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not engage. This is normal and should be no
reason for concern.Refer toShifting to/from 4WD Lowfor proper
operation.
System indicator lights
•4X4- momentarily illuminates
when the vehicle is started.
Illuminates when 4X4 HIGH
(4WD High) is selected.
•4X4 LOW– momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4X4
LOW (4WD Low) is selected.
4x4
4x4
LOW
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CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensor, refer toChanging tires with TPMSin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with a road tire as
soon as possible.
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System and should not be used.
WARNING:Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important
information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it
will no longer function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:Turn off the power running boards (if equipped) before driving
with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. Refer toRunning boardsin the
Driver Controlschapter.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
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