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Home >> Ford >> 2001 >> Explorer Sport 2WD V6-4.0L VIN E >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Restraints and Safety Systems >> Relays and Modules - Restraints and Safety Systems >> Air Bag Control Module >> Service and Repair >> Removal and Replacement >> Without Side Air Bag

Without Side Air Bag






SPECIAL TOOL(S)

REMOVAL

WARNING:
^ ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN REPAIRING AN AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) VEHICLE AND WHEN HANDLING AN AIR BAG MODULE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
^ CARRY A LIVE AIR BAG MODULE WITH THE AIR BAG AND TEAR SEAM POINTED AWAY FROM YOUR BODY. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
^ DO NOT SET A LIVE AIR BAG MODULE DOWN WITH THE DEPLOYMENT DOOR FACE DOWN. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
^ AFTER DEPLOYMENT, THE AIR BAG SURFACE CAN CONTAIN DEPOSITS OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE, A PRODUCT OF THE GAS GENERANT COMBUSTION THAT IS IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AFTERWARDS.
^ NEVER PROBE THE CONNECTORS ON THE AIR BAG MODULE. DOING SO CAN RESULT IN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
^ AIR BAG MODULES WITH DISCOLORED OR DAMAGED DEPLOYMENT DOORS MUST BE INSTALLED NEW, NOT REPAINTED.
^ THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN SRS SYSTEM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH THE CENTER TUNNEL AREA HAS BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE MOUNTING AND BRACKET FOR DEFORMATION. IF DAMAGED, THE RCM MUST BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, MAKE SURE THE AREA OF THE RCM MOUNTING IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.
^ VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, INSPECT THE SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING PIGTAIL FOR DEFORMATION. REPLACE AND PROPERLY POSITION THE SENSOR OR ANY OTHER DAMAGED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED.
^ THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.

NOTE:
^ Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.
^ If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side airbag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced the airbag system must be deactivated.
^ Restraint system diagnostic tools MUST be installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) to floor connectors.
^ Diagnostics or repairs are not to be performed on a side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system with the seats in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose/repair the side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system the seats must be removed from the vehicle and the restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed in the side airbag and the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) connectors at the floor connectors. The restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road.
^ Diagnostics may be performed on seat systems other than the side airbag or the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system (lumbar, climate controlled, heated, power seat track) with the seat installed in the vehicle as long as the restraint system diagnostic tools are installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner to floor connectors.
^ After diagnosing/repairing a seat system the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.

WARNING:
^ TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE REPAIRING OR REPLACING ANY FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS AND BEFORE SERVICING, REPLACING, ADJUSTING OR STRIKING COMPONENTS NEAR THE FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS, SUCH AS DOORS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, CONSOLE, DOOR LATCHES, STRIKERS, SEATS AND HOOD LATCHES.
^ PLEASE REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENT OR SYSTEM TO DETERMINE LOCATION OF THE FRONT AIR BAG SENSORS.
^ THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS ARE LOCATED AT OR NEAR THE BASE OF THE B-PILLAR.
^ TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT AUXILIARY BATTERIES AND POWER SUPPLIES (IF EQUIPPED).







2. Remove the retaining screws and position the hood release handle out of the way.







3. Remove the lower steering column opening finish panel.
1 Remove the two retaining screws from the lower steering column opening finish panel.
2 Pull out to release the retaining clips and remove the lower steering column opening finish panel.







4. Remove the retaining bolts and remove the lower steering column opening finish panel reinforcement.







5. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector at the base of the steering column.







6. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the vehicle harness side of the clockspring electrical connector.
7. Remove the passenger air bag module.







8. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the vehicle harness side of the passenger air bag electrical connector.
9. Reconnect the battery ground cable.
10. With the restraint system diagnostic tools installed at all deployable devices, prove out the air bag system. Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming
11. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.

WARNING:
^ TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE REPAIRING OR REPLACING ANY FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS AND BEFORE SERVICING, REPLACING, ADJUSTING OR STRIKING COMPONENTS NEAR THE FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS, SUCH AS DOORS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, CONSOLE, DOOR LATCHES, STRIKERS, SEATS AND HOOD LATCHES.
^ PLEASE REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENT OR SYSTEM TO DETERMINE LOCATION OF THE FRONT AIR BAG SENSORS.
^ THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS ARE LOCATED AT OR NEAR THE BASE OF THE B-PILLAR.
^ TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT AUXILIARY BATTERIES AND POWER SUPPLIES (IF EQUIPPED).


Vehicles with full floor console
12. Remove the full floor console.

Vehicles with a restraint control module cover







13. Remove the mat, the screws and the Restraint Control Module (RCM) cover.







14. Remove the right-hand side RCM retaining bolts







15. Remove the RCM.
1 Slide and disengage the two RCM electrical connector locking clips.
2 Push down to pivot the RCM electrical connector tabs and pull out to disconnect.
3 Remove the retaining bolt.
4 Remove the RCM.

INSTALLATION

WARNING:
^ ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN REPAIRING AN AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) VEHICLE AND WHEN HANDLING AN AIR BAG MODULE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
^ CARRY A LIVE AIR BAG MODULE WITH THE AIR BAG AND TEAR SEAM POINTED AWAY FROM YOUR BODY. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
^ DO NOT SET A LIVE AIR BAG MODULE DOWN WITH THE DEPLOYMENT DOOR FACE DOWN. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
^ AFTER DEPLOYMENT, THE AIR BAG SURFACE CAN CONTAIN DEPOSITS OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE, A PRODUCT OF THE GAS GENERANT COMBUSTION THAT IS IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AFTERWARDS.
^ NEVER PROBE THE CONNECTORS ON THE AIR BAG MODULE. DOING SO CAN RESULT IN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
^ AIR BAG MODULES WITH DISCOLORED OR DAMAGED DEPLOYMENT DOORS MUST BE INSTALLED NEW, NOT REPAINTED.
^ THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN SRS SYSTEM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH THE CENTER TUNNEL AREA HAS BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE MOUNTING AND BRACKET FOR DEFORMATION. IF DAMAGED, THE RCM MUST BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, MAKE SURE THE AREA OF THE RCM MOUNTING IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.
^ VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, INSPECT THE SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING PIGTAIL FOR DEFORMATION. REPLACE AND PROPERLY POSITION THE SENSOR OR ANY OTHER DAMAGED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED.

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.

NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

1. Position the RCM to the center tunnel area and install the three bolts hand-tight.

WARNING:
^ THE TIGHTENING TORQUE OF THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) RETAINING BOLTS IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION.
^ THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

NOTE:
^ If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side airbag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced the airbag system must be deactivated.
^ Restraint system diagnostic tools MUST be installed under the seats. in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) to floor connectors.
^ Diagnostics or repairs are not to be performed on a side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system with the seats in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose/repair the side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system the seats must be removed from the vehicle and the restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed in the side airbag and the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) connectors at the floor connectors. The restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road.
^ Diagnostics may be performed on seat systems other than the side airbag or the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system (lumbar, climate controlled, heated, power seat track) with the seat installed in the vehicle as long as the restraint system diagnostic tools are installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner to floor connectors.
^ After diagnosing/repairing a seat system the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.







2. Tighten the right-hand side RCM bolts to specification.

WARNING: THE TIGHTENING TORQUE OF THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) RETAINING BOLTS IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION.







3. Connect the RCM.
1 Tighten the bolt to specification.
2 Connect the RCM electrical connectors.
3 Slide and engage the RCM electrical connector locking clips.

WARNING: THE TIGHTENING TORQUE OF THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) RETAINING BOLTS IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION.

4. Connect the battery ground cable.

5. With the restraint system diagnostic tools still installed at all deployable devices, prove out the air bag system.







6. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.

WARNING:
^ TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE REPAIRING OR REPLACING ANY FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS AND BEFORE SERVICING, REPLACING, ADJUSTING OR STRIKING COMPONENTS NEAR THE FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS, SUCH AS DOORS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, CONSOLE, DOOR LATCHES, STRIKERS, SEATS AND HOOD LATCHES.
^ PLEASE REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENT OR SYSTEM TO DETERMINE LOCATION OF THE FRONT AIR BAG SENSORS.
^ THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS ARE LOCATED AT OR NEAR THE BASE OF THE B-PILLAR.
^ TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT AUXILIARY BATTERIES AND POWER SUPPLIES (IF EQUIPPED).

Vehicles with full floor console
7. Install the full floor console.

Vehicles with a restraint control module cover







8. Position the RCM cover. Install the screws and the mat.







9. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the vehicle harness side of the clockspring electrical connector at the base of the steering column.

WARNING: THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.







10. Connect the clockspring electrical connector at the base of the steering column.







11. Position the lower steering column opening finish panel reinforcement and install the bolts.







12. Install the lower steering column opening finish panel.
1 Position the lower steering column opening finish panel to the I/P and push in at the top seating the retaining clips.
2 Install the screws.







13. Position the hood release handle and install the screws.







14. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the vehicle harness side of the passenger air bag electrical connector.

WARNING: THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

15. Install the passenger air bag module.
16. Connect the battery ground cable.
17. With all the diagnostic tools removed, prove out the air bag system. Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming

WARNING: THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
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