Air Bag Deactivation Switch: Description and Operation

Passenger Air Bag Deactivate (PAD) Switch

WARNING: When transporting an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat located on the passenger side of the front seat, deactivate the passenger side air bag. Failure to deactivate the passenger side air bag could result in serious injury to the infant if the passenger side air bag deploys.

WARNING: When using any infant or child restraint system, it is important that you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer concerning its installation and use. Failure to follow each of the restraint manufacturer's instructions can result in a child striking the vehicle's interior during a sudden stop or collision.

The passenger air bag deactivate (PAD) switch is located at the center of the instrument panel, and allows the driver to deactivate the passenger side air bag module whenever the vehicle is operated while a rear-facing infant seat is in the passenger seat location.

The PAD switch consists of a key-lock cylinder which accepts any Ford ignition key, a dual pole switch and an LED indicator.

When the PAD switch is in the "ON" position, the system operates normally. When the PAD switch is in the "OFF" position, a resistance internal to the switch is substituted for the passenger side air bag module which deactivates it but allows normal operation of the air bag diagnostic monitor.

The PAD switch also simultaneously illuminates an "OFF" indicator to alert the driver that the passenger side air bag module is deactivated.