Ford Escape Owner's Manual page 123

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 pass airbag off lamp may or may not
be illuminated according to the table below.
Objects
Small (i.e. 3 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
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
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.
2008 Escape (204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
Pass Airbag Off
Indicator Lamp
Unlit
Lit
Lit
Passenger
Airbag
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
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