Jim Grant's Tech Tips

‘98 Ford Mustang, Parked Car Air Bags Deploy

Q: Will the airbags on a ‘98 Ford Mustang deploy if the car is hit in the front end with no one in the car.

A: You may be surprised to know, yes the air bags can deploy while a vehicle is parked with no one in it. Here it is right out of the ALLDATA Information Systems DVD; Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation; Electrical System.. The air bag system is powered directly from the battery. The system can function with the ignition switch in any position, including OFF and LOCK. The system can also function when the driver or passenger seats are unoccupied. So, if someone hits your parked vehicle just right, the air bags can deploy. That must have been something to see!