Air bag light

[WayneAnthony]

Bought a 03 Ranger in July and twice since then the air bag light came on until stopped and started again. Any ideas? Thanks, Wayne

 

[Dirtman]

Air bag light means there are trouble codes just like the check engine light. Need to scan it and get the code(s). Note: most regular inexpensive code readers dont read air bag and SRS codes.

I dont know If there is a "cheat" to pull the codes but there's no point even considering trying to fix or replace anything until you get those codes.

 

[WayneAnthony]

Got a cheap scanner but don't know where the code book is right now. Will give it a try tomorrow.

 

[don4331]

The air bag light actually flashes the code at you when you 1st start the truck.

It will flash something like 4 times, then 6 (for 46), then repeat before staying on solid. You take that "code" and use your search engine, e.g. DuckDuckGo, to find out what the code means.

Then as Dirtman says you may begin troubleshooting the issue.

 

[19Walt93]

If you haven't checked to see if the airbag recall has been done, now's a good time. The recall fix most likely has nothing to do with the light but it's worth getting it done. Before you get too involved in the light look under the seats, I've seen them caused by junk under the seat getting jammed in the seat tracks and defeating the occupant sensor.

 

[WayneAnthony]

Had a heck of a time finding this thread again. Anyhow, have a cheap scanner but can't find the manual although got codes off of internet. Plugged it in and no codes. Is a 2wddrive 2003xlt. Was a one owner, didn't see anything on air bag replacement in the info from previous owner. (He bought a new Tesla and had most work done by a shop).
Will check internet for recall.

 

[adsm08]

Your cheap scanner probably doesn't do airbags.

 

[WayneAnthony]

No air bag recall. Hasn't come on since. Suspect glitchy seat belt retractor.