Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) fitted to this vehicle, incorporates a driver air bag as standard, with the option of a passenger air bag. Side air bags are offered as an option on vehicles equipped with both driver and passenger air bags. The supplementary restraint system system has been specifically designed to protect the driver and passenger (when optional passenger air bag is fitted), from sustaining severe facial and upper body injuries in the event of a serious impact. Optimum protection can only be ensured when used in conjunction with a conventional three point safety belt. The safety belts form an integral part of the Supplementary Restraint System.

The visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate which shows the air bag symbol and either X1 or X2 dependant on the number of air bags fitted, attached to the windscreen edge of the instrument panel.











Vehicles equipped with side air bags can be identified by an embossed AIR BAG emblem on the seat fabric adjacent to the air bag module. A label attached to the B-pillar adjacent to the seat.






WARNING: All vehicles fitted with the optional passenger air bag from the factory have a WARNING sticker attached to the facia crash pad. PROHIBITING the use of rear facing child or baby seats.

It is not possible under any circumstances to disable the passenger air bag while maintaining the integrity of the whole system.

The system consists of the following components.
^ Electronic air bag control module
^ Wiring harness
^ Air bag sliding contact
^ Warning indicator
^ Air bag module(s)
^ Side impact crash sensors (when equipped with side air bags)

The electronic air bag control module governs the operation of the whole system, including the diagnostic element. It contains two frontal impact sensors; a crash sensor and a safing sensor. The crash sensor produces a signal corresponding to the rate of deceleration. The safing sensor detects only deceleration. These two sensors are connected in series and if they both sense a deceleration in excess of a predetermined limit, the electronic air bag control module will deploy the air bag module(s).

The electronic air bag control module will also deploy the corresponding side air bag module dependent on the signal received from either crash sensor.







The electronic air bag control module also performs continual system diagnostics. In the event of a fault being detected the warning light is illuminated either constantly or intermittently. The behavior of the warning light depends on the type of fault present. The warning light is located in the instrument cluster.

The wiring harness provides power to the electronic air bag control module from the vehicle supply and hence to the air bag module(s), side impact crash sensor's (if equipped with side air bags) and the warning indicator.

The air bag sliding contact is designed to carry signals between the electronic air bag control module and the driver air bag module. The air bag sliding contact is fitted to the steering column multifunction switch mounting bracket, and consists of fixed and moving parts connected by a coiled Mylar tape with integral conducting tracks. The Mylar tape is able to 'wind up' and 'unwind' as the steering wheel (to which the moving part is attached) is turned, maintaining electrical contact at all times between the electronic air bag control module and the air bag module. The air bag sliding contact is used in order to achieve the high degree of circuit integrity required by such a critical safety system as the supplementary restraint system (SRS).

Driver And Passenger Air Bag Module Inflator:

The driver, passenger and side air bag modules consist of the following components which cannot be disassembled:
^ Inflator
^ Bag
^ Container
^ Cover

The inflator is screwed into a metal cup-shaped container. The bag is then folded on top of the inflator and the whole subassembly is enclosed by the cover.

The driver air bag module is fitted to the steering wheel, the cover forming the outer surface of the steering wheel boss. The cover has invisible 'split lines' moulded in its surfaces allowing the air bag to easily exit through the cover when the system deploys.






The passenger air bag module is located above the glove compartment and is integrated into the instrument panel top to provide an unobtrusive appearance. The cover is a one piece moulding held by five clips and a short retaining strap. As the air bag deploys, the cover is forced free of the clips, but remains attached to the instrument pad panel by the short retaining strap.

The side air bag module(s) are integrated into the front seat backrests providing an unobtrusive appearance. The unique seat cover has been designed to accommodate air bag deployment. When the side air bag is deployed the stitched seam of the seat cover adjacent to the side air bag module splits allowing the air bag to exit the seat backrest unobstructed.

The purpose of the inflator is to generate the gas needed to fill the air bag. It consists of a high strength steel casing filled with a solid propellant charge and an electrically activated igniter. The igniter is activated by a signal from the electronic control module which in turn ignites the propellant charge. The very rapid burning of the propellant produces sufficient gas to fill the air bag(s). As the gases expand they cool, preventing heat damage to the bag. The driver's side air bag module has one inflator and bag, with a filled volume of 55 liters. The passenger air bag module has two inflators and bag having a filled volume of 60 liters. The side air bag has a single inflator and a bag with a filled volume of 12 liters.

The bag(s) are a one piece woven item with a silicon coating to provide flame and heat protection in the vicinity of the inflator. The shape of the passenger and side air bag (when equipped) are tailored to the vehicle proportions.







The Safety Restraint System fitted to the Cougar will communicate faults/concerns by the air bag control module during a driving cycle or after initial key on be means of a warning lamp contained within the instrument cluster.






If a concern is detected, the control module will communicate by flashing the warning indicator to give a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).