FORD 2009 F-150 v.2 - Manual (Page 182)

If two adults and a child occupy a Regular Cab, properly restrain the
child in the center front unless doing so would interfere with driving the
vehicle. This arrangement provides lap and shoulder belt protection for
all occupants, and airbag protection for the adults. All occupants of the
vehicle should always properly wear their safety belts. Ensure the child
is properly restrained in an appropriate child seat or with the use of a
booster. A child or infant properly restrained in the center front seat
should not incur risk of serious injury from the airbags.
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
The airbag SRS is designed to
activate when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
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. Airbags are
designed to inflate in frontal and
near-frontal collisions, not rollover,
side-impact, or rear-impacts.
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, it may also
cause minor 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
2009 F-150 (f12)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
182