Passenger Sensing System

This system works with sensors in the front passenger seat cushion and seat belt to detect the presence of a properly seated passenger and determine whether the front passenger airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not.

The passenger sensing system uses the passenger airbag status indicator light to show whether the front passenger airbag is ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled).

The indicator light is located at the top center of the instrument panel.

The passenger sensing system is designed to disable (not inflate) the front passenger airbag when the front passenger seat is unoccupied or when a rear-facing child seat, forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is detected. Even with this technology, you are strongly recommended to always properly restrain children in the rear seat. The sensor also disables the front passenger airbag when the passenger seat is empty.

• When the passenger sensing system disables (does not inflate) the front passenger airbag, the passenger airbag status indicator light OFF illuminates and stays on to remind you that the front passenger airbag is disabled.
• If you install a child restraint and the passenger airbag status indicator light ON illuminates, turn off the vehicle, remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall it following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the front passenger airbag at any time the system detects that an adult-sized person is properly seated in the front passenger seat.

• When the passenger sensing system enables the front passenger airbag (may inflate), the passenger airbag status indicator light ON illuminates and stays on.

If an adult-sized person is seated in the front passenger seat but the passenger airbag status indicator light OFF is illuminated, the person may not be seated properly. If this occurs:

• Turn off the vehicle and ask the person to return the seatback to the upright position.
• Ask the person to sit upright in the center of the seat cushion with their legs comfortably extended.
• Restart the vehicle and ask the person to remain in this position for approximately two minutes. This allows the system to detect the person and enable the front passenger airbag.
• If the OFF indicator light remains illuminated even after this, advise the person to ride in the rear seat.

Once all passengers have adjusted their seats and fastened their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit properly. A properly seated passenger sits upright, leaning against the seatback and centered on the seat cushion, with their feet resting comfortably on the floor. Improper seating can increase the chance of injury in a crash. For example, if a passenger slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or raises one or both feet, the likelihood of injury during a crash increases significantly.

The conditions listed above may cause the weight of a properly seated passenger to be misinterpreted by the front passenger sensing system. A person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or lighter depending on the conditions described in the list above.

Make sure the passenger sensing system sensors are functioning properly.

Do not attempt to repair or service the system. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer immediately.

If it is necessary to modify the advanced front airbag system to accommodate a person with a disability, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center.