Ford 2001 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual page 138

Seating and safety restraints
Determining if the system is
operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in
the instrument cluster to indicate
the condition of the system. Refer
to the Air bag readiness section in
the Instrumentation chapter.
Routine maintenance of the air bag
is not required.
A difficulty 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
illuminate immediately after the
ignition is turned on.
If either of these indications occur,
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.
Disposal of air bags and air bag
equipped vehicles
For disposal of air bags or air bag
equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or a qualified technician.
Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.