Mercury Tracer 1997 - Manual (Page 64)

• The driver air bag in the middle
of the steering wheel and the
passenger air bag above the
glove compartment.
• The electrical system, made up
of impact sensors, a diagnostic
module, and a backup power
supply.
The air bags inflate within a
fraction of a second after air bag
sensors detect a severe frontal
collision. Gas generators within the
air bags fill the air bags with a
non-toxic, non-flammable gas.
After the vehicle occupants have
impacted the air bags, the gas
empties through holes in the air
bags and the air bags deflate. You
may notice smoke and smell the
escaping gas after the air bags
deflate. This is normal.
You and your passenger must wear
your safety belts in order for the
air bag system to operate
effectively.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND
WARNING CHIME
When you turn the ignition key to
the ON position, the air bag system
performs a self-check of the:
• air bag sensors
• air bag module
• air bag inflators
• available battery power
• air bag warning light
Following a successful system
self-check, the
warning light
Seating and safety restraints
64