2018 Escape Owner's Manual

Supplementary Restraints System

Note: When the passenger airbag status OFF light is illuminated, the passenger side airbag (seat mounted) may be disabled to avoid the risk of airbag deployment injuries. After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seatbelts, it is very important that they continue to sit properly. A properly seated occupant sits upright, leaning against the seatback, and centered on the seat cushion, with their feet comfortably extended on the floor. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury in a crash event. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. If you think that the status of the passenger airbag off indicator lamp is incorrect, check for the following: • Objects lodged underneath the seat. • Objects between the seat cushion and the center console. • Objects hanging off the seatback. • Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket. • Objects placed on the occupant's lap. • Cargo interference with the seat. • Other passengers pushing or pulling on the seat. • Rear passenger feet and knees resting or pushing on the seat. The conditions listedabovemay cause the weight of a properly seated occupant to be incorrectly interpreted by the passenger sensing system. The person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or lighter due to the conditions described in the list above.

Do not attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle immediately to an authorized dealer. If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer. SIDE AIRBAGS WARNINGS Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the airbag cover, on the side of the seatbacks (of the front seats), or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash. Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat covers may prevent the deployment of the side airbags and increase the risk of injury in an accident. Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag could injure you as it deploys from the side of the Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the airbag, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an airbag as you could be seriously injured or killed. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. seatback. If the side airbag has deployed, the airbag will not function again. The side airbag system (including the seat) must be inspected and serviced by an authorized dealer. If the airbag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Make sure the front passenger sensing system is operating properly. See Crash Sensors

E67017

and Airbag Indicator (page 45).

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Escape(TM2)Canada/UnitedStatesofAmerica,enUSA,Editiondate:201706,FirstPrinting