Restraints and Safety Systems: Service and Repair

Air Bag Disposal

Deployed Air Bag

1. WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.

Dispose of the deployed air bag modules in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.

Undeployed Air Bag Inoperative

1. WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover or deployment door pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

NOTE: All inoperative air bag modules have been placed on the Mandatory Return List. All discolored or damaged air bag modules must be treated the same as any inoperative live air bag being returned.

Remove the inoperative driver air bag module or passenger air bag module. Refer to ModuleDriver Air Bag or ModulePassenger Air Bag in this section.

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

2. When replacing the driver air bag module, record the necessary information and return the inoperative driver air bag module to Ford Motor Company.






3. When replacing the passenger air bag module, record the necessary information and return the inoperative passenger air bag module to Ford Motor Company.






Undeployed Air Bag Scrapped Vehicle

Remote Deployment

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover or deployment door pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Remote deployment is to be performed outdoors with all personnel at least 6.1 meters (20 feet) away to ensure personal safety. Due to the loud report which occurs when the air bag is deployed, hearing protection is required.

WARNING: Do not place the driver or passenger air bag module with the trim cover or deployment door facing down, as the forces of the deploying air bag can cause it to ricochet and cause personal injury.

NOTE: The passenger air bag module is shown. The driver air bag module is similar.

1. Remove the passenger air bag module. Refer to ModulePassenger Air Bag in this section.

2. Cut the two connector wires on the passenger air bag module and strip 25 mm (1 inch) of insulation from the ends of the wires.






3. Obtain two wires at least 6.1 meters (20 feet) long and connect one end of each wire to each of the wires on the passenger air bag module.






4. Place the passenger air bag module on a flat surface with the deployment door facing upward in an open outdoor area.

5. Remain at least 6.1 meters (20 feet) away from the passenger air bag module.

6. Deploy the air bag by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.






7. Allow at least ten minutes before approaching the deployed air bag to allow for cooling.

8. Dispose of the deployed air bag module in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.