Determining If System Is Operational - Lincoln 1997 Town Car Owner's Manual

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists
of:
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
one or more impact and safing sensors,
a system diagnostic module,
a readiness light and tone,
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness
light, the air bag power, and the air bag inflators.

Determining if System Is Operational

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a
readiness light and a tone to indicate the condition
of the system. The readiness light is in the
instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition key
to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Routine maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
A problem with the system is indicated by one or
more of the following:
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the problem
and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.
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