• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2011 Airbags blown - what do I need to reset?


JoeVR5

New Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
29
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
What do you need to reset when the drivers and passenger airbags deploy on a Ford Ranger? Its a 2011

Also the drivers seat airbag . . . could I just replace with a junkyard seat?

There is a little bit of info online, but I can't seem to find anything comprehensive. I know that once you replace the two airbags, there is a computer reset and maybe a seat belt reset? Anything else I need to be aware of?

Thank you!
 


Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
There are 4 airbags in a 2011. Plus 2 SRS seat buckles. All of them need to be replaced. You "can" use junkyard parts. Depending on where you live though... it's not always legal to buy that stuff from a junkyard.

But you also need to inspect the fuel pump inertia switch, that may need to be replaced. As well as the airbag impact sensors. Cars get totalled because this stuff is insane expensive to fix properly.
 

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,508
Reaction score
4,462
Points
113
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
The airbag module most always needs to be replaced, too.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,819
Reaction score
12,578
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
With all that needs or potentially needs replaced, you might want to consider making a claim with your insurance. If you have the coverage for whatever happened. Since you are asking about junkyards and such, I'm guessing you may not.
 

1990RangerinSK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2016
Messages
2,346
Reaction score
1,312
Points
113
Location
Saskatchewan, Canada
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
With all that needs or potentially needs replaced, you might want to consider making a claim with your insurance. If you have the coverage for whatever happened. Since you are asking about junkyards and such, I'm guessing you may not.
I'll add to this that if the other driver is at fault, HIS (the other driver) insurance should pay for EVERYTHING. Since it seems the OP is trying to save money, I'll wager that he's at fault, in which case, the most important thing that needs to be reset is HIS DRIVING STYLE. And the sooner the better.
 

don4331

Well-Known Member
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Sep 6, 2013
Messages
2,023
Reaction score
1,342
Points
113
Location
Calgary, AB
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.3
Transmission
Automatic
There are 4 airbags in a 2011. Plus 2 SRS seat buckles. All of them need to be replaced. You "can" use junkyard parts. Depending on where you live though... it's not always legal to buy that stuff from a junkyard.

But you also need to inspect the fuel pump inertia switch, that may need to be replaced. As well as the airbag impact sensors. Cars get totalled because this stuff is insane expensive to fix properly.
Around here it is next to impossible to get junkyard airbags. With all the issues with faulty airbags, the "automotive recyclers" don't want the liability.

If the driver's airbag has went off, you usually have to replace the clock spring (part that allows horn/cruise to work while steering wheel turns).

Airbag module needs to be exact replacement - same year, same software revision.
 

JoeVR5

New Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
29
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Thank you all for the replies. Yes, I’m looking at possibly purchasing a 2011 Ranger that was in a low speed accident but somehow managed to deploy the airbags. The price is good - around 3k, and it has a clear title. 4x4, v6 4.0.

I’m not afraid of a good project. This one seems doable - I have a buddy with a frame machine in case it’s worse than just a tweaked tow hook - but I wanted to make sure I would be going into this with eyes open.

Thanks for the info on the clock spring. I also heard that the drivers airbag may partially collapse the steering column ... so I’ll check all those things.

Again, thanks for the info. I do appreciate it
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
Keep in mind the airbags were recalled on the rangers of that era. So even If you find a good set in the junkyard they may very well still be the original defective airbags like don mentioned. You may need to do some homework to find out how to tell if the airbag on the truck your looking at in the yard had the replacement airbags installed. I have no idea how to tell the difference but I'd imagine if they say takata anywhere on them they are junk.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,819
Reaction score
12,578
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
Since you don’t own it. I wouldn’t even consider buying it. Especially with the recall on the passenger airbag and the unknown factor on getting a good replacement. That’s just my opinion but I don’t think it is worth the headache and potential inability to get good replacements.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
The drivers side airbags were also defective on some rangers.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,819
Reaction score
12,578
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
My 2011 only had a recall on the passenger one. That and the multifunction switch. Pretty clean recall wise compared to some.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
Mine was passengers side only as well but a couple guys on here posted about them getting a recall on both and ford giving them a loaner car.
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,315
Reaction score
17,768
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
Mine was passengers side only as well but a couple guys on here posted about them getting a recall on both and ford giving them a loaner car.
Some of them were not to be driven and were towed to the dealer for a new airbag.

JY's around me wont sell airbags.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
I think it varies state to state. I go over to PA and they will sell anything except transmission pans and catalytic converters. Never understood the transmission pan rule...
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top