Lincoln 2010 MKZ - Manual (Page 150)

The side air curtains are mounted to the sheet metal above the first and
second row seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air curtain and
seat-mounted side airbag on the side affected by the collision will be
inflated, except that the passenger sensing system will deactivate the
passenger seat-mounted side airbag if it detects an empty unbuckled
passenger seat or an unbuckled child or small person in the passenger
seat. The air curtain was designed to inflate between the side window
area and occupant to further enhance the protection provided to
occupants in side impact collisions. The seat-mounted side airbag was
designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further
enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact collisions.
The side air curtain system SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle
sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an
electrical circuit that initiates air curtain and seat-mounted side airbag
inflation.
The fact that the side air curtain and seat-mounted side airbag 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. The side air curtain system is designed to inflate in side
impact collisions, not roll-over, rear impact, frontal or near-frontal
collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration.
WARNING: Several air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.
WARNING: If the side air
curtain has deployed, the
air curtain will not function
again. The side air curtain
system (including the A, B and
C pillar trim and headliner)
must be inspected and serviced
by an authorized dealer. If the
air curtain is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Seating and Safety Restraints
150
2010 MKZ (378)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA (fus)