Section 01-20B: Restraints, Passive, Supplemental Air Bag System
1996 F-150, F-250, Bronco Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Air Bag System Functions

The following four steps show how the supplemental air bag restraint system functions.

NOTE: Steps 1-3 take place in a fraction of a second.

  1. The sensors in the vehicle detect a severe frontal impact. When a LH or RH primary crash sensor and the RH safing sensor and bracket are closed at the same time, electric current flows to the inflator and ignites the chemicals.

  1. The chemicals then rapidly burn in the metal container. The rapid burning produces nitrogen gas and small amounts of dust. The nitrogen gas and dust are cooled and filtered during inflation of the air bag.

  1. The inflating air bag splits open the trim cover. The air bag then rapidly unfolds and inflates in front of the driver.

  1. After inflation, the gas empties through holes in the air bag. The air bag deflates very rapidly.