Beeps and beeps... but for what?

scooterspal · Jul 29, 2013

My new to me this weekend '97 Ranger XLT is making a beeping sound each time I start it and I'm not sure what the heck it is.

Counted 25 beeps in groups of 5 beeps each time the key is turned. Coming from under the passenger side of the dash.

Seat belt is engaged. Nothing showing on the dash. It goes away after the
25th beep.

:sad:

Earl43P · Jul 29, 2013

I don't know about 97's and Airbags......

but if you have a Passenger Airbag shut off switch (uses the key) at the bottom center below the radio/heater controls, make sure its lamp illuminates (round light beside the switch). That's a common cause for beeping. Be sure that the Airbag lamp in the dash illuminates when the key is first turned to Run (before cranking the starter, it's a Lamp Test).

Another possibility is if the clockspring failed (common if someone turned the wheel with the steering linkage disconnected, when doing tie rod ends). If that's the case, you'll have to replace the clockspring in the steering wheel.

Another common one is the Door Ajar. You should note that the dome light goes off when the doors are closed. If not, lube the latch switches.

scooterspal · Jul 29, 2013

Thank you. Will check all these items.

I know the dome light takes a few seconds to go after closing the door. Not used to that in my other cards. But it does that consistently and the owner said that was normal.

UPDATE:

Does not appear there is a drivers side airbag and I find no key switch for it.

Do not see any air bag light come on when I turn the key.

The airbag seems it has been tampered with?? Plastic cover was torn side to side through the center and re-glued. It does not seem to seat that well over the airbag. Afraid to monkey with it have it go off on me.

Any suggestions? Do you think this beep is telling me the airbag is defective?

HAPPY+RANGER+GUY · Jul 29, 2013

scooterspal said:
Any suggestions? Do you think this beep is telling me the airbag is defective?

I believe if you get the light working again...the beeping should cease. However, you may in fact have an airbag system problem to fix also and the light may illuminate to indicate that the system may not function as intended.

You'll have to decide for yourself how important having confidence in the air bag is and go from there.

adsm08 · Jul 29, 2013

If the airbag light burns out it beeps at you until you fix the light.

scooterspal · Jul 30, 2013

HAPPY+RANGER+GUY said:
I believe if you get the light working again...the beeping should cease. However, you may in fact have an airbag system problem to fix also and the light may illuminate to indicate that the system may not function as intended.

How is this plastic face plate attached to the airbag, does anyone know? Is it glued on or ??

Is this something I should be messing with or just replace the lamp and leave it alone?

HAPPY+RANGER+GUY · Jul 30, 2013

Once you get the light back...it should flash a code to indicate what problem it's seeing...you can troubleshoot from there.
Or....you could opt to forget about the air bag circuits and ignore the lights (or beeps).

HAPPY+RANGER+GUY · Jul 30, 2013

scooterspal said:
Is this something I should be messing with or just replace the lamp and leave it alone?

If you unhook both battery leads and let it sit for 15 minutes...should be safe to work around the air bag without too much concern. If it were me, I'd probably replace the lamp and see what the code tells me. Could just be something simple like a clock spring.

HAPPY+RANGER+GUY · Jul 30, 2013

If you do go in there to replace the bulb, I'd replace all the bulbs at one time to avoid having to go in there later. Won't cost much and you'll be set for quite a long while.

scooterspal · Jul 30, 2013

HAPPY+RANGER+GUY said:
If you do go in there to replace the bulb, I'd replace all the bulbs at one time to avoid having to go in there later.

Actually, I have to remove the dash to replace the odometer worm gear I have on order now.

These lamps.... are they behind that central lower bezel area in the dash? I never have seen anything light up there so far.

Just wondering where we are talking about?

Surrey · Jul 30, 2013

You say the steering wheel is torn and glued...

Could the airbag have been previously deployed and never replaced?

scooterspal · Jul 31, 2013

It appears to be there. Sort of a boxy thing. It's just that this cover does not fit up against the back of the steering wheel. There is a 1/2" gap all around. Not a factory fit for sure.

Lil-Pony · Jul 31, 2013

seriously pics help us help you

Anger · Mar 27, 2014

I've been dealing w/ these beeps for too long.
Tore my dash out yesterday & replaced burnt out back lit bulbs.
Didn't get to the srs bulb. Do it again tomorrow.

Can someone tell my exactly where it is located on a 2000 Ranger dash?
Having trouble finding it.
Thanks.

Anger · Mar 27, 2014

Anger said:
I've been dealing w/ these beeps for too long.
Tore my dash out yesterday & replaced burnt out back lit bulbs.
Didn't get to the srs bulb. Do it again tomorrow.

Can someone tell my exactly where it is located on a 2000 Ranger dash?
Having trouble finding it.
Thanks.

Found it under the tach needle.
Hard to see.
Or I'm old...

Beeps and beeps... but for what?

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