Parts Replacement Notes
Air Bag ModulesNOTE: 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.
NOTE: Original parts should be reinstalled in the vehicle if replacement parts have no effect on the repair.
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 to allow tracking into the vehicle in which it was placed. The serial number for the new part and VIN number must be recorded and sent to Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD), Ford Motor Company, P.0. Box 1904, Dearborn, MI 48121-9976.
For information on proper handling, storage, and disposal of the air bag inflator assemblies, refer to Removal and Installation and Diagnosis and Testing.
Service of Air Bag Equipped Vehicles Involved in Collisions
If the accident involved an air bag deployment, check the sensors and wiring for damage when servicing a vehicle equipped with a driver side air bag module.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE WITH ONE FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE, FOR ANY REASON. AIR BAG MODULES TAKEN FROM OTHER VEHICLES MAY HAVE DIFFERENT CALIBRATIONS OF THE AIR BAG MODULE AND INFLATOR AND MAY NOT OFFER ADEQUATE PROTECTION OR MAY CAUSE INJURY.
Primary Sensors, Right and Left Radiator Support
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 RADIATOR OR HOOD AREA HAS 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: 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 vehicle wiring harnesses including:
^ wiring
^ terminals
^ insulation
^ connectors
Wire or connector damage on a component pigtail cannot be repaired. Air bag system components are serviced by replacement only.
If splices are required in adjacent wiring, splices should be staggered 50 mm (2 inches) apart from each other. Service as follows:
1. Correctly strip the wires.
NOTE: A durable splice is a 5-step process to be used for 16 gauge wire and smaller. For larger than 16 gauge wire, a jiffy splice must be used.
2. Twist and solder the wire (don't forget to install the shrink tubing first). Use rosin core, Mildly Activated (RMA) solder. (Do not use acid core.)
NOTE: Durability of a wire splice is dependent on getting a joint that does not oxidize. Soldering is effective in keeping the air (oxide) out of the joint. Electronic circuits, and the very high current circuits, may fail because of oxidized joints. Oxidation cannot be seen with the naked eye.
3. Form (bend) the circuit into a shape for sealing, as illustrated.
4. Reposition the shrink tubing over the splice.
5. Heat the entire length of the shrink tubing until the hot sealant comes out of both ends.
NOTE: When the hot sealant flows out of both ends of the tube, it has been heated long enough.