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Airbag reset


mooty

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Due to some awful shifts at work and bad judgment on my part I had a fender bender that deployed the airbag system. As I'm sure many of you know, resetting the airbags is an expensive hassle.

I bought some reasonably good looking airbags from a wrecking yard as well as an RCM. Although I've read that the RCM may not take and is programmed with the original vehicle's VIN. In this case it came from a '99 mazda b-series and is being placed in a '99 ford ranger. The unit model appears identical but as stated, the programming could be different. I've yet to try it because I now suspect I should have my original RCM reset.

Additionally, I'm not sure where my impact sensors are located exactly and I've read they may be one time use. Does anyone have some insight on their location for a '99 model year?
 


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Crash sensor is going to be on or around the rad core support.

Most air bag modules won't "reset" after being in a crash. If it was a small one sometimes they can be salvaged, especially if only the seatbelt pretensioners deployed. If the air bags went off the module is pretty much done.
 

mooty

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I've found that the crash sensors are not around the rad core support and as far as I can tell, having looked at wrecking yard Rangers from the '99 era, they are nowhere to be found on the front of the vehicle. I think they might actually be part of the restraints module.
 

Tedybear

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mooty said:
I've found that the crash sensors are not around the rad core support and as far as I can tell, having looked at wrecking yard Rangers from the '99 era, they are nowhere to be found on the front of the vehicle. I think they might actually be part of the restraints module.
Click to expand...
Not sure...Doesn't quite sound right...

The '95 explorer and the '98 one we have been pulling parts from have the sensors both in the same spots. Just behind the front bumper area. There's one on each side. I'll be at the pick and pull yard tomorrow. If I remember I'll see if I can locate a set and do a few photos.

S-
 

don4331

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Hopefully the pics are legible - sensors are just in front of rad support on either side of the rad cut out.

If airbags went off:

You will want to get a replacement module with exact same part number. Module in my '99 was under the cup holder console between the front seats.
Supposedly, there are guys who can clear them but for me it was cheaper to get a replacement...

For drivers air bag; in addition to the actual air bag, 9 times out of 10, you will need to replace the clock spring as well.
 

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mooty

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I don't have crash sensors where shown.. and no loose wiring for them to plug up to. I have also never found any on wrecking yard rangers my year or newer. The restraints control module IS under the cupholders vs the passenger kick panel as found in '98s. Very peculiar...

Also, I figure the horn switch wouldn't work if the clockspring was broken..am I right to assume that?
 

mooty

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I plugged in an RCM from a 99 b-series with good airbags. The light is off so I can only assume that everything is in working order--despite no crash sensors up front. My only concern now is if the RCM requires VIN programming.
 

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don4331 said:
Hopefully the pics are legible - sensors are just in front of rad support on either side of the rad cut out.

If airbags went off:

You will want to get a replacement module with exact same part number. Module in my '99 was under the cup holder console between the front seats.
Supposedly, there are guys who can clear them but for me it was cheaper to get a replacement...

For drivers air bag; in addition to the actual air bag, 9 times out of 10, you will need to replace the clock spring as well.
Click to expand...
The '95 series and the '98 we have been pulling parts off from, as the air bag sensors are behind the radiator support. Same general area, just a few inches behind that support. Odd placement...

S-
 
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