FORD 2003 Explorer v.3 - Manual (Page 124)

The Safety Canopy
௢ is mounted to the roof side-rail sheet metal, behind
the headliner, above the first and second row seats. In certain lateral
collisions or rollover events, the Safety Canopy
௢ system will be activated,
regardless of which seats are occupied. The Safety Canopy
௢ is designed to
inflate between the side window area and occupants to further enhance
protection provided in side impact collisions and rollover events.
The fact that the Safety Canopy
௢ system did not activate in a collision
does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means
the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. The Safety
Canopy
௢ is designed to inflate in certain side impact collisions or rollover
events, not in rear impact, frontal or near-frontal collisions, unless the
collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration or rollover likelihood.
Several Safety Canopy
௢
system components get hot
after inflation. Do not touch them
after inflation.
If the Safety Canopy
௢ system has deployed, the Safety
Canopy
௢ will not function again. The Safety Canopy௢
system (including the A, B and C pillar trim) must be inspected
and serviced by a qualified technician in accordance with the
vehicle service manual. If the Safety Canopy
௢ 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.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness light (same light as for front air bag system) will either
flash or stay lit.
• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
Seating and Safety Restraints
124