Get Seating and Safety Restraints Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Seating and Safety Restraints

SEATING

WARNING: Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to

slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal

injuries in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to

reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original

position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original

position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An

unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or

collision.

Adjustable head restraints

Your vehicle is equipped with front row outboard head restraints that are

vertically adjustable.

WARNING: To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a

crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in

and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its

proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint

while the vehicle is in motion.

The adjustable head restraints

consist of:

• a trimmed energy absorbing foam

and structure (1),

• two steel stems (2),

• a guide sleeve adjust/release

button (3),

• and a guide sleeve unlock/remove

button (4).

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To adjust the head restraint, do the following:

1. Adjust the seatback to an upright driving/riding position.

2. Raise the head restraint by

pulling up on the head restraint.

3. Lower the head restraint by

pressing and holding the guide

sleeve adjust/release button and

pushing down on the head restraint.

Properly adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is

even with the top of your head and positioned as close as possible to the

back of your head. For occupants of extremely tall stature, adjust the

head restraint to its full up position.

WARNING: The adjustable head restraint is a safety device.

Whenever possible it should be installed and properly adjusted

when the seat is occupied.

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To remove the adjustable head restraint, do the following:

1. Pull up the head restraint until it

reaches the highest adjustment

position.

2. Simultaneously press and hold

both the adjust/release button and

the unlock/remove button, then pull

up on the head restraint.

To reinstall the adjustable head restraint, do the following:

1. Insert the two stems into the

guide sleeve collars.

2. Push the head restraint down

until it locks.

Properly adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is

even with the top of your head and positioned as close as possible to the

back of your head. For occupants of extremely tall stature, adjust the

head restraint to its full up position.

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WARNING: To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a

crash, head restraints must be installed properly.

Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)

WARNING: Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the

vehicle is moving.

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright

and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift handle to move seat forward or

backward.

Pull lever up to adjust seatback.

WARNING: Before

returning the seatback to its

original position, make sure that

cargo or any objects are not

trapped behind the seatback. After

returning the seatback to its

original position, pull on the

seatback to ensure that it has fully

latched. An unlatched seat may

become dangerous in the event of

a sudden stop or collision.

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Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)

For more lumbar support, turn the

lumbar support control toward the

front of vehicle.

For less lumbar support, turn the

lumbar support control toward the

rear of vehicle.

Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)

WARNING: Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the

vehicle is moving.

WARNING: Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid

injuring people in a collision or sudden stop.

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright

and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

WARNING: Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to

slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal

injuries in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat

back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion

and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in

serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your

seatback, with your feet on the floor.

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WARNING: To reduce the risk of possible serious injury: Do not

hang objects off seat back or stow objects in the seatback map

pocket (if equipped) when a child is in the front passenger seat. Do

not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between the

seat and the center console (if equipped). Check the “passenger airbag

off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for proper airbag status. Refer

to Front passenger sensing system in the Airbag supplemental

restraint system (SRS) section for additional details. Failure to follow

these instructions may interfere with the front passenger seat sensing

system.

The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion.

Press front to raise or lower the

front portion of the seat cushion.

Press rear to raise or lower the rear

portion of the seat cushion.

Press the control to move the seat

forward, backward, up or down.

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Press the control to recline the

seatback forward or rearward.

Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)

The power lumbar control is located on the outboard side of the seat.

Press one side of the control to

adjust firmness.

Press the other side of the control

to adjust softness.

Memory seats and adjustable pedals (if equipped)

This system allows automatic

positioning of the driver seat and

adjustable pedals to two

programmable positions.

The memory seat control is located

on the lower-center portion of the

instrument panel.

• To program position 1, move the

driver seat and pedals (if

equipped) to the desired position

using the associated controls. Press the SET control. The SET control

indicator light will briefly illuminate. While the light is illuminated,

press control 1.

• To program position 2, repeat the previous procedure using control 2.

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A position can be recalled:

• in any gearshift position if the ignition is not in the on position.

• only in P (Park) or N (Neutral) if the ignition is in the on position.

A memory seat position may be programmed at any time.

The memory positions are also recalled when you press your remote

entry transmitter unlock control if the transmitter is programmed to a

memory position or when you enter a valid personal entry code that is

programmed to a memory position.

To program the memory feature to a remote entry transmitter and for

more information on how to use the keypad, refer to Remote entry

system and SecuriCode™ keyless entry system in the Locks and

Security chapter.

Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)

The easy entry feature automatically moves the driver’s seat 2 inches

(5 cm) forward when:

• the transmission is in P (Park)

• the key is inserted into the ignition cylinder

(If the seat is located less than 2 inches [5 cm] from the front of the seat

1

track, the seat will travel up to ⁄

track).

4

inch (6 mm) to the front of the seat

The easy out feature automatically moves the driver’s seat 2 inches

(5 cm) backward when:

• the transmission is in P (Park)

• the key is removed from the ignition cylinder

(If the seat is located less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the rear of the seat

1

track, the seat will travel up to ⁄

track).

4

inch (6 mm) to the rear of the seat

If the memory setting is programmed through the remote transmitter,

upon unlocking the door via remote entry system, the seat position will

travel to the desired memory setting less 2 inches (5 cm). Once entering

the vehicle and inserting the key in the ignition while in P (Park), the

easy entry feature will move the seat an additional 2 inches (5 cm) to

the desired memory location. See Locks and Security for activating the

memory seat feature through the remote entry system.

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Deactivating/activating the easy access/easy out feature

The easy entry/exit feature can be turned off or on through the vehicle

message center (if equipped). If your vehicle does not have a message

center, the feature can be turned off or on through the following process:

1. Put the key into the ignition (The driver seat may move forward if the

easy entry/exit feature is activated).

2. Place the ignition key into the on position (do not start the vehicle).

When the vehicle is in the on position, the interior and exterior lights,

the climate controls, and the radio are functional without the engine

started. See Programming remote transmitters for ignition switch

diagram.

3. Turn the ignition key to the off position.

4. Cycle the ignition key between the off position and the on position a

total of three times ending with the ignition in the off position.

5. Engage the forward or rearward seat switch.

6. Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch. (The driver seat

may move rearward if the easy entry/exit feature is activated).

Steps 2 through 6 must be performed within a 20 second period. The

easy entry/exit feature will be deactivated. Repeating the above process

will also reactivate the easy entry/exit feature.

Heated seats (if equipped)

WARNING: Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin

because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord

injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical

conditions, must exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat

heater may cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used

for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that

insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cushion, because this may

cause the seat heater to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins,

needles, or other pointed objects because this may damage the heating

element which may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated

seat may cause serious personal injury.

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Note: Do not do the following:

• Place heavy objects on the seat

• Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the

seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.

The heated seat control is located in the lower center of the instrument

panel.

To operate the heated seats:

• Press control to activate.

• Press again to deactivate.

REAR SEATS

To have an unobstructed rear view, you can fold down the second and

third row head restraints. Refer to the Folding down the 2nd row

60/40 seats and bucket seats and 3rd row folding seat (if equipped)

sections later in this chapter.

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If needed, when installing some high back child restraints, the head

restraints of the second row seating positions can be removed. Insert a

thin pointed object, such as a paper clip or pushpin, into the hole of

each head restraint guide and while lifting up remove the head restraint.

Store the head restraint in a secure location in the vehicle, such as on

the floor against the rear of the front seats. To re-install the head

restraint, line the posts up in the holes on the seat back with the head

restraint strap facing the outside of the vehicle and push down until the

head restraint locks into place. Lift gently to ensure it is locked into

place.

Refer to Safety seats for children later in this chapter.

WARNING: If the head restraint has been removed from a

seating position to accommodate a high back child restraint, the

head restraint must be re-installed prior to use of the seat by any other

occupant in order to reduce the risk of personal injury in the event of

a collision.

Folding down the 2nd row seats

Ensure that the head restraint is in the down position and no objects

such as books, purses or briefcases are on the floor in front of the

second row seats before folding them down.

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1. Lower the head restraints by

pulling on the strap.

2. Locate the recline handle for your particular seat on the side of the

seat cushion by the door.

60/40 Seats (7–passenger)

60/40 Seats (5–passenger)

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Bucket Seats

3. Pull up on the handle (pull forward on the bucket seat handle) and

push the seatback forward toward the front of the vehicle.

To return the seat to the upright position:

1. Lift the seatback toward the rear of the vehicle.

2. Rotate the seatback until you hear a click, locking it in the upright

position.

3. If the seat is to be occupied, lift

up on the head restraint until it

locks into its original position.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original

position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original

position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An

unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or

collision.

Placing the 2nd row 60/40 seats in cargo mode (if equipped)

The 2nd row seats can be placed in a kneel down load floor position to

allow more cargo space.

To place the seats in the cargo mode:

1. Fold down the 2nd row seat. See Folding down the 2nd row seats

above.

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2. Lift the cargo mode lever located

on the back of the seatback to kneel

the seat down and get a flat loading

floor.

Returning to the upright position from full lowered load floor

position

The seatback cannot be returned to the upright position until the seat is

returned from the kneel down position. To return the seat to the upright

position:

1. Push the seat rearward until the

latch is engaged. Use the cushion or

seatback to return to the fold-down

position. Do not use the recliner

handle as it could cause damage to

the handle.

2. Return the seatback to the

upright position.

Tilting the 2nd row seat for E-Z Entry

The E-Z entry seat allows for easier entry and exit to and from the 3rd

row seat.

To enter the 3rd row seat:

1. Fold down the 2nd row seat and release the handle. Refer to Folding

down the 2nd row seats earlier in this section.

Note: When folding down the seat, release the handle only once. When

the seatback releases and folds, the handle should be released. Any

further turning of the handle while the seatback releases, may damage

the handle. Once the seatback is folded, a second lifting of the handle

will detach the seat rear leg locking mechanism from the floor allowing

the seat to tumble forward.

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60/40 Seats

Bucket Seats

2. Pull the handle up (pull forward on the bucket seat handle) again

until the seat releases from the floor.

3. Push the seat upward and fold it away from the third row.

WARNING: Always return the seat to the fully latched position

before operating the vehicle.

Returning the seat to the upright position

Note: To return the seat from its tumbled position to its upright

position, its rear legs should first be latched to the floor by dumping the

seat down into position. The interlock mechanism will not allow the

release of the seatback until the seat’s rear legs are fully latched to the

floor. Once the rear legs are fully latched, the interlock will release the

seatback, and it can then be returned to the upright position.

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To return the seat to a seating position:

1. Push the seat down and latch to

the floor with a moderate amount of

effort and speed.

2. Make sure the seat is latched to

the floor.

3. Bring the seat back to an upright

position. The seatback should lock

into position.

Note: If the seat back will not

return to the upright position,

tumble the seat again and re-latch it to the floor. Be sure that cargo or

other objects are not trapped underneath the seatback.

4. Lift up on the head restraint until

it locks into its original position.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original

position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original

position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An

unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or

collision.

Note: In vehicles equipped with 3rd row seats, the 2nd row

recline/unlatch handle on the outboard sides of both 60% and 40% seats

should not be used as a grab handle to raise the entire seat up from

cargo mode (kneeling position), or to lower it from its tumbled position.

This handle is there only to recline the seat back and to unlatch the rear

seat/floor attachment, in order to tumble the seat in the forward

direction. To raise the seat up from the cargo mode (kneeling position),

the entire seat should be lifted up using the seat back or the seat

cushion area as a grabbing surface.

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Exiting the 3rd row

1. Lower the head restraints. See

Folding down the 2nd row seats

earlier in this section.

2. Pull on the lever/strap (as

equipped) located at the bottom

right of the seat back to release the

seat from the floor, and rotate the

seat up towards the front seat.

3. Follow the directions above to

return the seatback from the load

floor and to the upright position.

Tilting the 2nd row seat for E-Z Entry

The E-Z entry seat allows for easier entry and exit to and from the 3rd

row seat.

To enter the 3rd row seat:

1. Fold down the 2nd row seat and release the handle. Refer to Folding

down the 2nd row seats earlier in this section.

Note: When folding down the seat, release the handle only once. When

the seatback releases and folds, the handle should be released. Any

further turning of the handle while the seatback releases, may damage

the handle. Once the seatback is folded, a second lifting of the handle

will detach the seat rear leg locking mechanism from the floor allowing

the seat to tumble forward.

60/40 Seats

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Bucket Seats

2. Pull the handle up (pull forward on the bucket seat handle) again

until the seat releases from the floor.

3. Push the seat upward and fold it away from the third row.

WARNING: Always return the seat to the fully latched position

before operating the vehicle.

Returning the seat to the upright position

Note: To return the seat from its tumbled position to its upright

position, its rear legs should first be latched to the floor by dumping the

seat down into position. The interlock mechanism will not allow the

release of the seatback until the seat’s rear legs are fully latched to the

floor. Once the rear legs are fully latched, the interlock will release the

seatback, and it can then be returned to the upright position.

To return the seat to a seating position:

1. Push the seat down and latch to

the floor with a moderate amount of

effort and speed.

2. Make sure the seat is latched to

the floor.

3. Bring the seat back to an upright

position. The seatback should lock

into position.

Note: If the seat back will not

return to the upright position,

tumble the seat again and re-latch it to the floor. Be sure that cargo or

other objects are not trapped underneath the seatback.

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4. Lift up on the head restraint until

it locks into its original position.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original

position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original

position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An

unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or

collision.

Note: In vehicles equipped with 3rd row seats, the 2nd row

recline/unlatch handle on the outboard sides of both 60% and 40% seats

should not be used as a grab handle to raise the entire seat up from

cargo mode (kneeling position), or to lower it from its tumbled position.

This handle is there only to recline the seat back and to unlatch the rear

seat/floor attachment, in order to tumble the seat in the forward

direction. To raise the seat up from the cargo mode (kneeling position),

the entire seat should be lifted up using the seat back or the seat

cushion area as a grabbing surface.

Exiting the 3rd row

1. Lower the head restraints. See

Folding down the 2nd row seats

earlier in this section.

2. Pull on the lever/strap (as

equipped) located at the bottom

right of the seat back to release the

seat from the floor, and rotate the

seat up towards the front seat.

3. Follow the directions above to

return the seatback from the load

floor and to the upright position.

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3rd row folding seat (if equipped)

Before folding the third row seats,

fold the head restraints down by

pulling on the strap located under

the restraint.

Pull up on the handle located

behind the seatback while pushing

the seatback forward and down into

the seat cushion.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original

position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original

position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An

unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or

collision.

3rd row power folding seat (if equipped)

Note: Be sure that head restraints are folded down before powering the

3rd row seat down.

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The control buttons are located on

the driver-side rear quarter trim

panel (accessible from the liftgate

area).

Push the bottom portion of the

control button to lower the desired

seatback.

Push the top of the control button

to return the seatback to its original

position.

The power fold down seats will operate for 30 minutes after the

ignition switch is in the 1 (off) position. The transmission must

be in P (Park), and the liftgate or liftgate glass must be open.

Similar to the battery saver feature, the power 3rd row seat will

be disabled 30 minutes after turning the vehicle off. If the power

3rd row seat is disabled after 30 minutes, the seat can be enabled

by opening any door, pressing the unlock control on the remote

entry transmitter, pressing any keyless keypad button (if

equipped), or turning the ignition key.

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WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original

position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original

position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An

unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or

collision.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Personal Safety System™

The Personal Safety System™ provides an improved overall level of

frontal crash protection to front seat occupants and is designed to help

further reduce the risk of airbag-related injuries. The system is able to

analyze different occupant conditions and crash severity before activating

the appropriate safety devices to help better protect a range of

occupants in a variety of frontal crash situations.

Your vehicle’s Personal Safety System™ consists of:

• Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints.

• Front safety belts with pretensioners, energy management retractors,

and safety belt usage sensors.

• Driver’s seat position sensor.

• Front passenger sensing system

• “Passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp

• Front crash severity sensor.

• Restraints Control Module (RCM).

• Restraint system warning light and back-up tone.

• The electrical wiring for the airbags, crash sensor(s), safety belt

pretensioners, front safety belt usage sensors, driver seat position

sensor, front passenger sensing system, and indicator lights.

How does the Personal Safety System™ work?

The Personal Safety System™ can adapt the deployment strategy of your

vehicle’s safety devices according to crash severity and occupant

conditions. A collection of crash and occupant sensors provides

information to the Restraints Control Module (RCM). During a crash, the

RCM may activate the safety belt pretensioners and/or either one or both

stages of the dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints based on crash

severity and occupant conditions.

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The fact that the pretensioners or airbags did not activate for both front

seat occupants in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with

the system. Rather, it means the Personal Safety System™ determined

the accident conditions (crash severity, belt usage, etc.) were not

appropriate to activate these safety devices. Front airbags are designed

to activate only in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollovers,

side-impacts, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient

longitudinal deceleration.

Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints

The dual-stage airbags offer the capability to tailor the level of airbag

inflation energy. A lower, less forceful energy level is provided for more

common, moderate-severity impacts. A higher energy level is used for

the most severe impacts. Refer to Airbag supplemental restraints

(SRS) section in this chapter.

Front crash severity sensor

The front crash severity sensor enhances the ability to detect the

severity of an impact. Positioned up front, it provides valuable

information early in the crash event on the severity of the impact. This

allows your Personal Safety System™ to distinguish between different

levels of crash severity and modify the deployment strategy of the

dual-stage airbags and safety belt pretensioners.

Driver’s seat position sensor

The driver’s seat position sensor allows your Personal Safety System™ to

tailor the deployment level of the driver dual-stage airbag based on seat

position. The system is designed to help protect smaller drivers sitting

close to the driver airbag by providing a lower airbag output level.

Front passenger sensing system

For airbags to do their job they must inflate with great force, and this

force can pose a potentially deadly risk to occupants that are very close

to the airbag when it begins to inflate. For some occupants, this occurs

because they are initially sitting very close to the airbag. For other

occupants, this occurs when the occupant is not properly restrained by

safety belts or child safety seats and they move forward during pre-crash

braking. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary

injuries is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained. Accident

statistics suggest that children are much safer when properly restrained

in the rear seating positions than in the front.

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WARNING: Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

NEVER place 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.

WARNING: Always transport children 12 years old and under in

the back seat and always properly use appropriate child

restraints.

The front passenger sensing system can automatically turn off the front

passenger airbag and passenger seat-mounted side airbag. The system is

designed to help protect small (child size) occupants from frontal airbag

deployments when they are seated or restrained in the front passenger

seat contrary to proper child-seating or restraint usage

recommendations. Even with this technology, parents are STRONGLY

encouraged to always properly restrain children in a rear seating

position. The sensor also turns off the passenger front airbag and

passenger seat-mounted side airbag when the passenger seat is empty.

Front safety belt usage sensors

The front safety belt usage sensors detect whether or not the driver and

front outboard passenger safety belts are fastened. This information

allows your Personal Safety System™ to tailor the airbag deployment

and safety belt pretensioner activation depending upon safety belt usage.

Front safety belt pretensioners

The safety belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are

designed to tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body

during frontal collisions, and in side collisions and rollovers. This helps

increase the effectiveness of the safety belts. In frontal collisions, the

safety belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of

sufficient severity, together with the front airbags.

Front safety belt energy management retractors

The front outboard safety belt energy management retractors allow

webbing to be pulled out of the retractor in a gradual and controlled

manner in response to the occupant’s forward momentum. This helps

reduce the risk of force-related injuries to the occupant’s chest by

limiting the load on the occupant. Refer to Energy management feature

section in this chapter.

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Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational

The Personal Safety System™ uses a warning light in the instrument

cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer

to the Warning lights and chimes section in the Instrument Cluster

chapter. Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety System™ is not

required.

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits

and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s),

safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, front

passenger sensing system, and the driver seat position sensor. In

addition, the RCM also monitors the restraints warning light in the

instrument cluster. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or

more of the following:

• The warning light will either flash or stay lit.

• The warning light will not illuminate immediately after the ignition is

turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible. Unless serviced, the system may

not function properly in the event of a collision.

Safety restraints precautions

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright

and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit

in a rear seating position where they can be properly restrained.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the

child from injury in a collision.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver,

should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an

airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

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WARNING: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,

inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in

these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not

allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped

with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a

seat and using a safety belt properly.

WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is

significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety

belt.

WARNING: Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific

safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one

tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt

on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the

arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside

shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

WARNING: When possible, all children 12 years old and under

should be properly restrained in a rear seating position.

WARNING: Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle

that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a

small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child

anywhere near them.

WARNING: Front and rear seat occupants, including pregnant

women, should wear safety belts for optimum protection in an

accident.

Energy management feature

• This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management

feature at the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of

injury in the event of a head-on collision.

• This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to

extend the safety belt webbing in a controlled manner. This helps

reduce the belt force acting on the user’s chest.

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WARNING: BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE

REPLACED if the safety belt assembly automatic locking

retractor feature or any other safety belt function is not operating

properly when checked by an authorized dealer. Failure to replace the

Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in

collisions.

Combination lap and shoulder belts

1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to

the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it

latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

• Front and rear seats

2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the

buckle.

• Front and rear seats

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All safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder

belts. All of the passenger combination lap and shoulder belts have three

types of locking modes described below:

Vehicle sensitive mode

This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length

adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle

movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner

sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph

(8 km/h) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce

forward movement of the driver and passengers.

Webbing extraction sensitive mode

The webbing sensitive locking mode locks the webbing and prevents

more belt from being pulled out if the belt is pulled out too quickly. The

belt will unlock when you stop pulling on it.

Automatic locking mode

When to use the automatic locking mode

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will

still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic

locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.

This mode should be used any time a child safety seat, except a

booster, is installed in passenger front or rear seating positions. Children

12 years old and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating

position whenever possible. Refer to Safety restraints for children or

Safety seats for children later in this chapter.

How to use the automatic locking mode

• Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

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• Grasp the shoulder portion and

pull downward until the entire

belt is pulled out.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking

sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking

mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode

Unbuckle the combination lap and shoulder belt and allow it to retract

completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the

vehicle sensitive mode.

WARNING: After any vehicle collision, the combination lap and

shoulder belt system at all passenger seating positions must be

checked by an authorized dealer to verify that the “automatic locking

retractor” feature for child seats is still functioning properly, in addition

to other checks for proper safety belt system function.

WARNING: BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE

REPLACED if the safety belt assembly “automatic locking

retractor” feature or any other safety belt function is not operating

properly. In addition, all safety belts should be checked for proper

function. Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could

increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Safety belt pretensioner

Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and

right front passenger seating positions.

The safety belt pretensioner tightens the safety belts firmly against the

occupant’s body at the start of the crash.

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When the Safety Canopy௡ System, seat-mounted side airbags, and/or the

front airbags are activated, the safety belt pretensioners for the driver

and right front passenger seating positions will be activated when the

respective seatbelt is properly buckled.

WARNING: The driver and front passenger safety belt system

(including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be

replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in

deployment of front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and Safety

Canopy௡, and safety belt pretensioners.

Refer to the Child restraint and safety belt maintenance section in

this chapter.

Front safety belt height adjustment

Your vehicle has safety belt height

adjustments at the front outboard

seating positions. Adjust the height

of the shoulder belt so the belt rests

across the middle of your shoulder.

To adjust the shoulder belt height,

squeeze and hold the buttons on the

side and slide the height adjuster up

or down. Release the buttons and

pull down on the height adjuster to

make sure it is locked in place.

WARNING: Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the

belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust

the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the safety

belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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Second row comfort guide

The second row outboard

lap/shoulder belt is equipped with a

belt comfort guide. This guide is

attached to the quarter trim panel

and is used to adjust the comfort of

the shoulder belt for smaller

occupants in the outboard second

row seats.

To adjust the comfort guide:

1. Slip the shoulder belt into the

belt guide.

2. Slide the guide up or down along

the webbing so that the belt is

centered on the occupant’s shoulder.

WARNING: Position the safety belt comfort guide so that the

belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust

the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the safety

belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Safety belt extension assembly

If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is an 8 inch

(20 cm) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number

611C22). This assembly can be obtained from an authorized dealer.

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Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety

belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on

the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too

short for you when fully extended.

WARNING: Do not use extensions to change the fit of the

shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime

The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a

chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

Conditions of operation

If...

Then...

The driver’s safety belt is not

buckled before the ignition

switch is turned to the on

position...

The safety belt warning light

illuminates 1-2 minutes and the

warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.

The driver’s safety belt is

buckled while the indicator

light is illuminated and the

warning chime is sounding...

The driver’s safety belt is

buckled before the ignition

switch is turned to the on

position...

The safety belt warning light and

warning chime turn off.

The safety belt warning light and

indicator chime remain off.

Belt-Minderா

The Belt-Minder௡ feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt

warning function. This feature provides additional reminders by

intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning

light in the instrument cluster when the driver’s and front passenger’s

safety belt is unbuckled.

The Belt-Minder௡ feature uses information from the front passenger

sensing system to determine if a front seat passenger is present and

therefore potentially in need of a warning. To avoid activating the

Belt-Minder௡ feature for objects placed in the front passenger seat,

warnings will only be given to large front seat occupants as determined

by the front passenger sensing system.

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Both the driver’s and passenger’s safety belt usages are monitored and

either may activate the Belt-Minder௡ feature. The warnings are the same

for the driver and the front passenger. If the Belt-Minder௡ warnings have

expired (warnings for approximately five minutes) for one occupant

(driver or front passenger), the other occupant can still activate the

Belt-Minder௡ feature.

When the Belt-Minder௡ feature is activated, the safety belt warning light

illuminates and the warning chime sounds for six seconds every

30 seconds, repeating for approximately five minutes or until the safety

belts are buckled.

The Belt-Minder௡ feature uses two different warning chimes. During the

first minute of activation, the warning chime will sound once every

second. The remaining warning chimes will sound twice every second

while the system is activated.

If...

Then...

The driver’s and front passenger’s The Belt-Minder௡ feature will not

safety belts are buckled before the activate.

ignition switch is turned to the on

position or less than 1-2 minutes

have elapsed since the ignition

switch has been turned on...

The driver’s or front passenger’s

The Belt-Minder௡ feature is

safety belt is not buckled when the activated - the safety belt warning

vehicle has reached at least 3 mph light illuminates and the warning

(5 km/h) and 1-2 minutes have

elapsed since the ignition switch

has been turned to on...

chime sounds for six seconds

every 30 seconds, repeating for

approximately five minutes or until

the safety belts are buckled.

The Belt-Minder௡ feature is

The driver’s or front passenger’s

safety belt becomes unbuckled for activated - the safety belt warning

approximately 1 minute while the light illuminates and the warning

vehicle is traveling at least 3 mph chime sounds for six seconds

(5 km/h) and more than

every 30 seconds, repeating for

1-2 minutes have elapsed since the approximately five minutes or until

ignition switch has been turned to the safety belts are buckled.

on...

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The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts

(All statistics based on U.S. data):

Reasons given...

Consider...

“Crashes are rare events”

36700 crashes occur every day. The

more we drive, the more we are

exposed to “rare” events, even for

good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be

seriously injured in a crash during

our lifetime.

“I’m not going far”

3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25

miles (40 km) of home.

“Belts are uncomfortable”

We design our safety belts to enhance

comfort. If you are uncomfortable -

try different positions for the safety

belt upper anchorage and seatback

which should be as upright as

possible; this can improve comfort.

Prime time for an accident.

Belt-Minder௡ reminds us to take a few

seconds to buckle up.

“I was in a hurry”

“Safety belts don’t work”

Safety belts, when used properly,

reduce risk of death to front seat

occupants by 45% in cars, and by

60% in light trucks.

“Traffic is light”

Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in

single-vehicle crashes, many when

no other vehicles are around.

Possibly, but a serious crash can do

much more than wrinkle your clothes,

particularly if you are unbelted.

Set the example, teen deaths occur 4

times more often in vehicles with

TWO or MORE people. Children and

younger brothers/sisters imitate

behavior they see.

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

“The people I’m with don’t

wear belts”

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Reasons given...

Consider...

“I have an airbag”

Airbags offer greater protection when

used with safety belts. Frontal airbags

are not designed to inflate in rear and

side crashes or rollovers.

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

Not a good idea. People who are

ejected are 40 times more likely

to DIE. Safety belts help prevent

ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR

CRASH”.

WARNING: Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a

latchplate into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minder௡ chime. To

do so may adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s airbag

system.

One-time disable

If at any time the driver/front passenger quickly buckles then unbuckles

the safety belt for that seating position, the Belt-Minder௡ is disabled for

the current ignition cycle. The Belt-Minder௡ feature will enable during

the same ignition cycle if the occupant buckles and remains buckled for

approximately 30 seconds. Confirmation is not given for the one-time

disable.

Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderா feature

The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder௡ are

deactivated/activated independently. When deactivating/activating

one seating position, do not buckle the other position as this will

terminate the process.

Read Steps 1 - 4 thoroughly before proceeding with the

deactivation/activation programming procedure.

Note: The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder௡ features must be

disabled/enabled separately. Both cannot be disable/enabled during the

same key cycle.

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The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder௡ features can be

deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure:

Before following the procedure, make sure that:

• The parking brake is set

• The gearshift is in P (Park)

• The ignition switch is in the off position

• The driver and front passenger safety belts are unbuckled

WARNING: While the design allows you to deactivate your

Belt-Minder௡, this system is designed to improve your chances of

being safely belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you

leave the Belt-Minder௡ system activated for yourself and others who

may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not

deactivate/activate the Belt-Minder௡ feature while driving the vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position. DO NOT START THE

ENGINE.

2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off (approximately one

minute).

• Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt

warning light turns off.

3. For the seating position being disabled, buckle then unbuckle the

safety belt nine times at a moderate speed, ending in the unbuckled

state. Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt

warning light turns off.

• After Step 3, the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three

seconds.

4. Within approximately seven seconds of the light turning off, buckle

then unbuckle the safety belt.

• This will disable the Belt-Minder௡ feature for that seating position if it

is currently enabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will

flash four times per second for three seconds.

• This will enable the Belt-Minder௡ feature for that seating position if it

is currently disabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will

flash four times per second for three seconds, followed by three

seconds with the light off, then followed by the safety belt warning

light flashing four times per second for three seconds again.

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AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

Important SRS precautions

The SRS is designed to work with

the safety belt to help protect the

driver and right front passenger

from certain upper body injuries.

Airbags DO NOT inflate slowly;

there is a risk of injury from a

deploying airbag.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver,

should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air

bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

WARNING: When possible, all children 12 years old and under

should be properly restrained in a rear seating position.

WARNING: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 10 inches

(25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and the driver airbag module.

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WARNING: Never place your arm over the airbag module as a

deploying airbag can result in serious arm fractures or other

injuries.

To properly position yourself away from the airbag:

• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the

pedals comfortably.

• Recline the seat slightly one or two degrees from the upright position.

WARNING: Do not put anything on or over the airbag module.

Placing objects on or over the airbag inflation area may cause

those objects to be propelled by the airbag into your face and torso

causing serious injury.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the

airbag supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. Contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING: Modifications to the front end of the vehicle,

including frame, bumper, front end body structure and non-Ford

tow hooks may effect the performance of the airbag sensors increasing

the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle with

anything other than authorized Ford accessories for your vehicle.

WARNING: Additional equipment may affect the performance of

the airbag sensors increasing the risk of injury.

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Children and airbags

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.

WARNING: Airbags can kill

or injure a child in a child

seat. NEVER place a rear-facing

child seat in front of an active

airbag. If you must use a

forward-facing child seat in the

front seat, move the seat all the

way back.

How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?

The airbag SRS is designed to

activate when the vehicle sustains

longitudinal 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. Front airbags are designed to activate in frontal and

near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless

the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration.

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The airbags inflate and deflate

rapidly upon activation. After airbag

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

airbag. 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 airbag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary

hearing loss. Because airbags 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 airbag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be

properly restrained as far away from the airbag module as possible while

maintaining vehicle control.

WARNING: Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

WARNING: If the air bag has 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:

• driver and passenger airbag modules (which include the inflators and

airbags).

• seat-mounted side airbags. Refer to Seat-mounted side airbag system

later in this chapter

• Safety Canopy௡ System. Refer to Safety Canopy௡ System later in this

chapter.

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• one or more impact and safing sensors.

• a readiness light and tone.

• diagnostic module.

• and the electrical wiring which connects the components.

• Front passenger sensing system. Refer to Front passenger sensing

system later in this chapter.

• “Passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp. Refer to

Front passenger sensing system later in this chapter.

The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the

supplemental airbag electrical system wiring (including the impact

sensors), the system wiring, the airbag system readiness light, the airbag

back up power and the airbag ignitors.

Front passenger sensing system

The front passenger sensing system is designed to meet the regulatory

requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208

and is designed to disable (will not inflate) the front passenger’s frontal

airbag under certain conditions.

The front passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of

the front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to

detect the presence of a properly seated occupant and determine if the

front passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or

disabled (will not inflate).

The front passenger sensing system will disable (will not inflate) the

front passenger’s frontal airbag if:

• the front passenger seat is unoccupied, or has small/medium objects in

the front seat.

• the system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant

seat that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing

child restraint that is installed according to the manufacturer’s

instructions.

• the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat.

• a front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of

time.

When the passenger airbag off light is illuminated, the passenger side

airbag may be disabled to avoid the risk of airbag deployment injuries.

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The front passenger sensing system

uses a Љpassenger airbag offЉ or

Љpass airbag offЉ indicator which will

illuminate and stay lit to remind you

that the front passenger frontal airbag is disabled. The indicator lamp is

located in the center stack of the instrument panel above the radio.

Note: The indicator lamp will illuminate for a short period of time when

the ignition is turned to the on position to confirm it is functional.

When the front passenger seat is not occupied (empty seat) or in the

event that the front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate), the

indicator lamp will be unlit.

The front passenger sensing system is designed to disable (will not

inflate) the front passenger’s frontal airbag when a rear facing infant

seat, a forward-facing child restraint, or a booster seat is detected.

• When the front passenger sensing system disables (will not inflate)

the front passenger frontal airbag, the indicator lamp will illuminate

and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is

disabled.

• If the child restraint has been installed and the indicator lamp is not

lit, then turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the

vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint

manufacturer’s instructions.

The front passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate)

the front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a

person of adult size is sitting properly in the front passenger seat.

• When the front passenger sensing system enables the front passenger

frontal airbag (may inflate), the indicator will be unlit and stay unlit.

If a person of adult size is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, but the

Љpassenger airbag offЉ or Љpass airbag offЉ indicator lamp is lit, it is

possible that the person isn’t sitting properly in the seat. If this happens:

• Turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the

full upright position.

• Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion,

with the person’s legs comfortably extended.

• Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for

about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person

and enable the passenger’s frontal airbag.

• If the indicator lamp remains lit even after this, the person should be

advised to ride in the rear seat.

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Pass Airbag Off

Occupant

Passenger Airbag

Indicator Lamp

Empty seat

Small child in child

safety seat or booster

Unlit

Lit

Disabled

Small child with safety Lit

belt buckled or

unbuckled

Disabled

Enabled

Adult

Unlit

WARNING: Even with Advanced Restraints Systems, children

12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating

position.

After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on safety belts, it’s

very important that they continue to sit properly. A properly seated

occupant sits upright, leaning against the seat back, and centered on the

seat cushion, with their feet comfortably extended on the floor. Sitting

improperly can increase the chance of injury in a crash event. For

example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward,

leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of

injury during a crash is greatly increased.

WARNING: Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat

back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion

and affect the decision of the front passenger sensing system, resulting

in serious injury or death in a crash.

Always sit upright against your seatback, with your feet on the floor.

The front passenger sensing system may detect small or medium objects

placed on the seat cushion. For most objects that are in the front

passenger seat, the passenger airbag will be disabled. Even though the

passenger airbag is disabled, the Љpass airbag offЉ lamp may or may not

be illuminated according to the table below.

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Pass Airbag Off

Passenger Airbag

Indicator Lamp

Objects

Small (i.e. three-ring

binder, small purse,

bottled water)

Medium (i.e. heavy

briefcase, fully packed

luggage)

Empty seat, or small

to medium object with

safety belt buckled

Unlit

Disabled

Lit

If you think that the status of the passenger airbag off indicator lamp is

incorrect, check for the following:

• Objects lodged underneath the seat

• Objects between the seat cushion and the center console (if

equipped)

• Objects hanging off the seat back

• Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket (if equipped)

• Objects placed on the occupant’s lap

• Cargo interference with the seat

• Other passengers pushing or pulling on the seat

• Rear passenger feet and knees resting or pushing on the seat

• Check to see if the clear objects by pass seat warning is displaying in

the message center. Refer to Message center in the Instrument

Cluster chapter.

The conditions listed above may cause the weight of a properly seated

occupant to be incorrectly interpreted by the front passenger sensing

system. The person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or

lighter due to the conditions described in the list above.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of possible serious injury:

Do not stow objects in seat back map pocket (if equipped) or

hang objects off seat back if a child is in the front passenger seat.

Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between

the seat and the center console (if equipped).

Check the “passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for

proper airbag Status.

Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front

passenger seat sensing system.

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In case there is a problem with the

front passenger sensing system, the

airbag readiness lamp in the

instrument cluster will stay lit.

If the airbag readiness lamp is lit, do the following:

The driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects that

may be lodged underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering

with the seat.

If objects are lodged and/or cargo is interfering with the seat; please take

the following steps to remove the obstruction:

• Pull the vehicle over.

• Turn the vehicle off.

• Driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects lodged

underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.

• Remove the obstruction(s) (if found).

• Restart the vehicle.

• Wait at least two minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is

no longer illuminated

• If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may/not

be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system.

DO NOT attempt to repair or service the system; contact your authorized

dealer as soon as possible.

If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to

accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer

Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer

Assistance chapter of this Owner’s Guide.

WARNING: Any alteration/modification to the front passenger

seat may affect the performance of the front passenger sensing

system.

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 the Warning lights and

chimes section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance

of the airbag is not required.

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A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:

• The readiness light will either

flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not

illuminate immediately after

ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible. Unless serviced, the system may

not function properly in the event of a collision.

Seat-mounted side airbag system

WARNING: Do not place objects or mount equipment on or

near the airbag cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front

seats or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a

deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the

risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of

accessory seat covers may prevent the deployment of the side

airbags and increase the risk of injury in an accident.

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag

could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the

airbag SRS, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an

airbag. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle should always wear

their safety belts even when an airbag SRS is provided.

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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 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. 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: Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

WARNING: If the side

airbag has deployed, the

airbag will not function again.

The side airbag system

(including the seat) must be

inspected and serviced by an

authorized dealer. If the airbag

is not replaced, the unrepaired

area will increase the risk of injury

in a collision.

Safety Canopyா System

WARNING: Do not place

objects or mount equipment

on or near the headliner at the

siderail that may come into

contact with a deploying Safety

Canopy௡. Failure to follow these

instructions may increase the risk

of personal injury in the event of a

collision.

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door. The Safety

Canopy௡ could injure you as it deploys from the headliner.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the

Safety Canopy௡ System, its fuses, the A, B, or C pillar trim, or

the headliner on a vehicle containing a Safety Canopy௡. Contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

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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 Canopyா System 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 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).

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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.

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.

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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.

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 the Airbag readiness

section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the

airbag is not required.

Any difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the

following:

• The readiness light (same light as for front airbag system) will either

flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is

turned on.

• A 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, contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible. Unless serviced, the system may

not function properly in the event of a collision or rollover event.

SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

The system automatically flashes the turn signal lamps and sounds the

horn three times at four second intervals in the event of a serious impact

that deploys an airbag (front, side, side curtain or Safety Canopy௡) or

the safety belt pretensioners.

The system can be turned off when any one of the following actions are

taken by the driver or any other person:

• pressing the hazard control button,

• or pressing the panic button on the remote entry transmitter.

The feature will continue to operate until the vehicle runs out of power.

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Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles

(including pretensioners)

Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Airbags MUST BE

disposed of by qualified personnel.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN

See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety

restraints for children. Also see Airbag supplemental restraint system

(SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using airbags.

Important child restraint precautions

WARNING: Always make sure your child is secured properly in

a device that is appropriate for their height, age and weight.

Child safety restraints must be purchased separately from the vehicle.

Failure to follow these instructions and guidelines may result in an

increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

WARNING: All children are shaped differently. The

Recommendations for Safety Restraints are based on probable

child height, age and weight thresholds from NHTSA and other safety

organizations or are the minimum requirements of law. Ford

recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety

Technician (CPST) and your pediatrician to make sure your child seat

is appropriate for your child, and is compatible with and properly

installed in the vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station and CPST

contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the internet at

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Failure to properly restrain children in safety

seats made especially for their height, age, and weight may result in an

increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

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Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Child size, height, weight, or

age

Recommended

restraint type

Infants Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or Use a child safety seat

or

less (generally age four or

(sometimes called an

infant carrier,

convertible seat, or

toddler seat).

toddlers younger)

Small

Children who have outgrown or no Use a belt-positioning

children longer properly fit in a child safety booster seat.

seat (generally children who are

less than 4 feet 9 inches

(1.45 meters) tall, are greater than

age four (4) and less than age

twelve (12), and between 40 lbs

(18 kg) and 80 lbs (36 kg) and

upward to 100 lbs (45 kg) if

recommended by your child

restraint manufacturer)

Larger

Children who have outgrown or no Use a vehicle safety belt

children longer properly fit in a

belt-positioning booster seat

having the lap belt snug

and low across the hips,

(generally children who are at least shoulder belt centered

4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall

or greater than 80 lb (36 kg) or

across the shoulder and

chest, and seatback

100 lb (45 kg) if recommended by upright.

child restraint manufacturer)

• You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and

toddlers in the U.S. and Canada.

• Many states and provinces require that small children use approved

booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 ft 9 in

(1.45 meters) tall, or 80 lb (36 kg). Check your local and state or

provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of

children in your vehicle.

• When possible, always properly restrain children twelve (12) years of

age and under in a rear seating position of your vehicle. Accident

statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in

the rear seating positions than in a front seating position.

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Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children

Use any attachment method as indicated

below by “X”

LATCH

(lower

anchors anchors

LATCH

(lower

Safety

belt and belt only

top

Safety

Restraint

Type

Child

Weight

and top

tether

only)

tether

anchor

anchor)

Rear facing Up to

child seat

48 lb

X

(21 kg)

Forward

Up to

facing child 48 lb

X

seat

(21 kg)

Forward

Over 48 lb

facing child (21 kg)

seat

WARNING: Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

NEVER place 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 vehicle seat all the way back. When possible, all children age 12

and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. If

all children cannot be seated and restrained properly in a rear seating

position, properly restrain the largest child in the front seat.

WARNING: Always carefully follow the instructions and

warnings provided by the manufacturer of any child restraint to

determine if the restraint device is appropriate for your child’s size,

height, weight, or age. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s

instructions and warnings provided for installation and use in

conjunction with the instructions and warnings provided by the vehicle

manufacturer. A safety seat that is improperly installed or utilized, is

inappropriate for your child’s height, age, or weight or does not

properly fit the child may increase the risk of serious injury or death.

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WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the

child from injury in a collision, which may result in serious injury or

death.

WARNING: Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child.

They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or

death in a collision.

WARNING: Always restrain an unoccupied child seat or booster

seat. These objects may become projectiles in a collision or

sudden stop, which may increase the risk of serious injury.

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder

belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces

the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk

of injury or death in a collision.

WARNING: Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets

unattended in your vehicle.

Transporting children

Always make sure your child is secured properly in a device that is

appropriate for their age, height and weight. All children are shaped

differently. The child height, age and weight thresholds provided are

recommendations or the minimum requirements of law. The National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides education and

training to ensure that all children ages 0 to 16 are properly restrained in

the correct restraint system. Ford recommends checking with a NHTSA

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and your

pediatrician to make sure your seat is appropriate for your child and

properly installed in the vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station and

CPST contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the internet

at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local St. John

Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further information,

contact your provincial ministry of transportation, your local St. John

Ambulance office at http://www.sfa.ca, or Transport Canada at

1–800–333–0371 (http://www.tc.gc.ca).

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Follow all the safety restraint and airbag precautions that apply to adult

passengers in your vehicle.

If the child is the proper height, age, and weight (as specified by your

child safety seat or booster manufacturer), fits the restraint and can be

restrained properly, then restrain the child in the child safety seat or

with the belt-positioning booster. Remember that child seats and

belt-positioning boosters vary and may be designed to fit children of

different heights, ages and weights. Children who are too large for child

safety seats or belt-positioning boosters (as specified by your child safety

seat manufacturer) should always properly wear safety belts.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Infant and/or toddler seats

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the

child.

When installing a child safety seat:

• Review and follow the information

presented in the Airbag

supplemental restraint system

(SRS) section in this chapter.

• Carefully follow all of the

manufacturer’s instructions

included with the safety seat you

put in your vehicle. If you do not

install and use the safety seat

properly, the child may be injured

in a sudden stop or collision.

Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a

rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If you must use a

forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the vehicle seat all the

way back.

Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating

position whenever possible. If all children cannot be seated and

restrained properly in a rear seating position, properly restrain the

largest child in the front seat.

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Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder

belts