Ford 2002 Thunderbird Owner's Manual page 112

Seating and Safety Restraints
Several air bag system
components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
If the side air bag has
deployed, the air bag will
not function again. The side
air bag system (including the
seat) must be inspected and
serviced by a qualified
technician in accordance with
the vehicle service manual. If
the air bag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness
section in the Instrument cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the
air bag is not required.
Any difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
• The readiness light (same light as used for front air bag system) will
either flash or stay lit.
• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned to the RUN position.
• A series 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 SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
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