Ford 2002 Explorer Manual page 75

Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat
covers may prevent the deployment of the side air bags and
increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Do not lean your head on the door. The side air bag could injure
you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag SRS, its
fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an air bag. See your
Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
All occupants of the vehicle should always wear their safety belts
even when an air bag SRS is provided.
How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
• An air bag behind 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 air
bags.
• Two crash sensors located on the
"B" pillar.
Side air bags, in combination with
seat belts, can help reduce the risk
of severe injuries in the event of a
significant side impact collision.
The side air bags are located on the outboard side of the seatbacks of
the front seats. In certain side impact collisions, the air bag on the side
affected by the collision will be inflated, even if that seat is not occupied.
The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant
to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact
collisions.
Seating and Safety Restraints
75