Ford Ka Quiz
Supplemental restraint system

Impact sensors and airbag indicator

In this manual: Supplemental restraint system
Introduction — 6Quick guide — 3Child safety — 6Seat belts — 5Supplemental restraint system — 7Keys and remote controls — 3MyKey — 4Doors and locks — 3Safety — 3Steering wheel — 4Washer/wipers — 4Lighting — 6Windows and mirrors — 3Instrument cluster — 4Information display — 4Climate control system — 6Seats — 8Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Compartments — 1Starting the engine — 7Fuel and refuelling — 7Transmission — 1Brakes — 4Traction control — 1Stability control — 1Ultrasonic parking system — 3Cruise Control — 1Driver assistance — 4Carrying a load — 3Towing — 8Driving tips — 5Emergency equipment — 6Fuses — 4Maintenance — 22Vehicle Maintenance — 6Wheels and Tyres — 14Technical specifications — 7Audio system — 18SYNC — 12Appendices — 3
~2min read
DANGER

Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle (including the hood, bumper system, frame, front body structure, towing hooks and hood hinges) may affect the performance of the airbag system, increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify or add equipment to the front end of the vehicle.

The airbag module monitors the readiness of the safety devices, as well as the impact sensors. The readiness status of the safety system is indicated by the warning light on the instrument cluster or by a backup audible signal if the warning light does not work. Airbags do not require regular maintenance.

A system fault is indicated in one or more of the following ways:

The readiness warning light does not come on immediately after the ignition is switched on.
  • The readiness warning light flashes or remains on.
  • Five beeps sound in succession. The sequence of audible signals will repeat periodically until the fault, the warning light, or both are repaired.
If any of these conditions occur, even intermittently, have the supplemental restraint system repaired immediately by an authorized dealer. If not repaired, the system may not function correctly in an impact. See Passenger airbag.

The seat belt pretensioners and the front airbag supplemental restraint system are designed to deploy when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the airbag module to trigger a safety device.

If the seat belt pretensioners or the front airbags did not deploy for both front seat occupants in an accident, this does not necessarily mean the system is faulty. Rather, it means that, according to the airbag module, the accident conditions (impact severity and seat belt use) did not require the deployment of these safety devices.
  • The front airbags deploy only in semi-frontal and frontal impacts (not in rollovers or side or rear impacts), unless the impact causes a longitudinal deceleration sufficient to trigger them.
  • The seat belt pretensioners are designed to deploy in frontal and semi-frontal impacts.
  • The side airbags and side curtain airbags (if fitted) deploy in certain side impacts or other types of impact with sufficient force to trigger them.

Airbag disposal

Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Airbags must be disposed of by qualified personnel.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Ka quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.