Parts Replacement Notes

NOTE:
^ The various major assemblies in the supplemental air bag restraint system have been designed to be tamper-resistant and are not to be disassembled for service. Component assemblies may be removed and replaced as required by diagnosis and testing.
^ Original parts should be reinstalled in the vehicle if replacement parts have no effect on the repair.

Driver Side Air Bag Module
Information on safe and effective replacement for supplemental air bag restraint system components and handling are provided. Refer to the Diagnosis and Testing and Removal and Installation for complete and effective service of the supplemental air bag restraint system.






When replacing driver side air bag module, a prepaid return postcard is provided with the replacement driver side air bag module. The serial number for the new part and vehicle VIN number must be recorded and sent to Ford Motor Company.

For information on proper handling, storage, and disposal of the air bag inflator assemblies, refer to Removal and Installation.

Service of Air Bag Equipped Vehicles Involved in a Collision
If the accident involved an air bag deployment, while servicing a vehicle equipped with a driver side air bag module, check the sensors and wiring for damage.

Center and Front Air Bag (RH Frame Rail) Sensors

WARNING: VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE FRAME RAIL OR HOOD AREA HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR DEFORMATION. IF DAMAGED, THE SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, MAKE SURE THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE IN THE AREA OF THE SENSOR MOUNTING IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.

NOTE: Do not attempt to replace air bag cover with one from another driver side air bag module, for any reason.

NOTE Undamaged sensors will reset automatically after an accident and can be reused. Damaged Wiring

Inspect the sensor wiring and the wiring harness for any damage that may have occurred as a result of the accident. Replace as required any damaged:
^ wiring
^ terminals
^ insulation
^ connectors

If splices are required in adjacent wiring, the splices should be staggered 5O mm (2 inches) apart from each other. Service splices as follows:






^ Use a waterproof butt-splice wiring connector on any exposed wiring.
^ A heat shrink nylon splice prevents water, salt, condensation and heat from affecting the wiring service.

The inner wall of the splice wiring connector is lined with an adhesive that melts when heated with a heat gun and flows under pressure from the tubing, sealing the splice. The connectors can be crimped with a standard insulated connector crimping tool. The splices are color-coded for gauge identification, and are transparent to allow inspection of the finished splice.

Steering Column and Air Bag Sliding Contact
If the collision involved air bag deployment, the steering column may have been loaded sufficiently to deform steering column instrument panel brackets or damage column wiring. An inspection should be made of the column structure and wiring to air bag sliding contact to make sure any damaged components are replaced.

Supplemental Air Bag-Restraint System (SRS)

CAUTION: Before attempting diagnostic prove out, check all sensors and wiring for damage or shorts that could cause the air bag diagnostic monitor thermal fuse to blow (open), causing unnecessary replacement.

After all service is completed, verify the air bag indicator operation as follows:
^ Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
^ If the indicator flashes, count the air bag indicator flashes only after the code (series of flashes) has cycled twice.
^ If the air bag indicator illuminates continuously for four to eight seconds and then goes out, the supplemental air bag restraint system is functioning properly and all faults have been serviced. If the air bag indicator does not illuminate, illuminates continuously for four to eight seconds then goes out, or remains continuously illuminated, there is a malfunction in the system. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing.