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

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-airbag deployable accident, or at the end of the vehicle's useful life. This procedure assumes that the airbag wiring remains intact; that is, no fault 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 fault codes appear, use procedure 2 to deploy unit.
5. Locate the center airbag sensor at the top center of the radiator support, beneath the radiator sight shield. Locate the white connector 8 inches from the sensor, toward the battery.
6. Pull the white submersible connector apart and examine the wiring harness end of the connector. Identify circuits 619 PK/W, 620 P/LB, 611 W/O and 614 GY/O, refer to SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS/ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC DIAGRAMS.
7. Using a 6 inch length of bared wire, short the 619 PK/W wire to ground. Short the 611 W/O and 614 GY/O circuits together with a second bared wire. The airbag should deploy. If the airbag does not deploy, proceed to procedure 2.
8. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the bag material will be visible in the center of the steering wheel. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the airbag to allow for cooling of the module and dissipation of the effluents.

Procedure 2, Remote Deployment Of Driver Or Passenger Module

Remote deployment is to be performed outdoors with all personnel at least 20 feet away to ensure personnel safety and due to loud report which occurs when an airbag is deployed.
This procedure is to be used in the event that 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. This procedure can also be used if step 7 of procedure 1 was unsuccessful.
1. Remove driver airbag module from steering wheel.
2. Cut the two module connector wires and strip 1 inch of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the airbag module wires.
3. Place the module with the black 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.