Air Bag Disposal Procedures

Fig. 66 Airbag Disposal Recommendations Chart:

Several situations may arise when some form of disposal action must be undertaken; scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed airbag, scrapping a vehicle with a live airbag, disposal of a live but electrically inoperative airbag module and scrapping a deployed airbag, etc. These situations and the disposal recommendations are shown in the airbag disposal recommendations chart, Fig. 66.

DEPLOYED MODULE
To repair a vehicle in which the airbag has deployed, the deployed driver module must be replaced with an all new module. The deployed module can be disposed of in the same manner as any part to be scrapped.

FAULTY UN-DEPLOYED MODULE
In the event that a faulty driver airbag module is diagnosed, the faulty module must be replaced by a new module. The faulty module cannot be disposed of in the usual manner, and must be returned to the Ford Motor Company for proper disposal.

The module must be packaged and shipped according to the U. S. Department of Transportation regulations. For proper shipping instructions contact the local Ford Motor Company District Service office.

SCRAPPED VEHICLE

Some vehicles may be damaged or inoperable to the point that repairs cannot be made, but still contain an undeployed airbag. This condition could occur by side or rear impact, or rollover, etc. The airbag should be deployed prior to vehicle disposal, per procedures 1 or 2 described below under ``Airbag Disposal.''

AIRBAG DISPOSAL

Procedure 1, Electronic Deployment With Intact Wiring

Refer to Diagrams/Electrical/Block Diagram for airbag system schematics.
This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live airbag inflator is to be scrapped. Disposal may be required due to severe damage in a non-deployed accident, or at the end of the vehicle's useful life. This procedure assumes that the airbag wiring remains intact; that is, no trouble codes are indicated by the readiness indicator, that the system proves out correctly and that the vehicles's battery is still in place. This procedure is to be performed outdoors away from other personnel, since the deploying airbag makes a loud report during actuation.
1. Check and clear the front seat of all loose objects.
2. Do not permit any occupants to remain inside the vehicle.
3. Open the hood and check for operational vehicle battery. If no battery is found, supply one and connect it in the usual manner.
4. Turn ignition switch to Run position and observe the airbag readiness indicator. If the lamp illuminates for four to eight seconds and then stops, the system is intact and may be deployed. Continue with procedure 1. If a series of trouble codes appear, use procedure 2 to deploy unit.
5. Turn ignition switch to Off position. Ensure front seat area is free of all loose objects.
6. On 1992 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Car, proceed as follows:
a. Disconnect rear kick panel sensor connector.
b. Using a 6 inch piece of bare wire, jump circuits No. 611 and 614.
c. Disconnect either the right or left front crash sensor, located on the radiator support.
d. Using a 6 inch piece of bare wire, short the 617 or 621 circuit wire to ground.
7. On all models except 1992 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Car, proceed as follows:
a. Locate center airbag sensor at the top center of the radiator support.
b. Pull white submersible connector apart and examine the wiring harness end. Identify circuits No. 619 (pink/white), 620 (purple/light blue), 611 (white/orange) and 614 (gray/orange).
c. Using a 6 inch piece of bare wire, short the 619 wire to ground.
d. Deploy airbag by shorting circuits No. 611 and 614 together with a second wire.
8. On all models, if deployment is successful, a loud report will be heard and the airbag material will be visible. Allow a minimum of ten minutes before approaching airbag to allow for cooling.
9. If airbag did not deploy, perform ``Procedure 2, Remote Deployment Of Airbags.''

Procedure 2, Remote Deployment Of Airbags

Remote deployment is to be performed outdoors with all personnel a minimum of 20 feet away, to ensure personnel safety.
This procedure is to be used when a vehicle with a live airbag module is to be scrapped, but the vehicle does not contain an intact wiring harness or certain system components are inoperative.
1. Remove driver and passenger airbag modules from vehicle.
2. Cut the two module connector wires and strip 1 inch of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires a minimum of 20 feet long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the airbag module wires.
3. Place the module with the trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in a remote area such as a parking lot or field. Do not place the module with the trim cover facing down, as the forces of the deploying airbag may cause the module to ricochet and cause personal injury.
4. Remaining at least 20 feet away from the module, deploy the airbag by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12 volt vehicle battery.
5. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the airbag material will be visible coming from the top of the module. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the airbag to allow for cooling of the module and dissipation of the effluents.