I need airbags, 06 ranger or info

[Raw16057]

Hello, I had to take my truck for an "enhanced inspection" cause it is a truck from Texas with an r title and I live in PA. I think that both airbags are gone when it was wrecked and they fixed it but did not install new airbags. The airbag light is on, can it be turned out? Does anyone have airbags they don't need? I looked in the tech section but saw nothing about airbags. I was told if i took it for a regular inspection it would pass with the airbag light on but not an enhanced inspection. Go fiqure. Does anyone know anything about these things. This is the first vehicle i had with airbags. I really don't want them because my wife is 5 foot nothing and sits so close to the wheel that if the bag went off it would take of her head with it. I should probably say that the truck is a 2006 xlt ex cab 4x4 auto with a 4.0 with 58,000 miles and it is beautiful with no rust.Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ZMan]

Well you're going to need the bags themselves obviously, the clockspring for the steering wheel will need replaced, some vehicles need the module replaced as well, but not all do, hard to say whether yours will or not. You will likely need the light reset by a dealer. Using junkyard parts is not suggested, but its going to be expensive if you have to buy all new dealer parts.

 

[exbass94]

Driving with broken, missing or defective airbags is illegal no matter what state you're in. Don't try to find a way around this by simply "turning the airbag light off." Fix it right.

 

[ZMan]

Driving with broken, missing or defective airbags is illegal no matter what state you're in. Don't try to find a way around this by simply "turning the airbag light off." Fix it right.

I had to google that... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081028193848AAJXyQY I've fixed a totalled Ranger before without replacing the airbags, passed the State Highway Patrol inspection with no problems, and was used as a delivery truck for the next 6 years.

 

[Raw16057]

I found airbags and a module does anyone know how to install them?If i put in a new module will that turn out the light? Is there anywhere on this site or on the net that can take me through this process? I need help!

 

[adsm08]

Replacing the module is simple. Just unplug it, unbolt it, and reverse. Replacing the module (necessary on 2000+ Fords after a deployment event) will turn the light out IF nothing else is wrong. I believe the module is on the floor near the dash, but I am not 100% on that. It's just where Ford normally puts them.

 

[Raw16057]

I am going to try and install new airbags along with the module. I know to disconnect the battery is there anything else i should do? Also do you know how to remove the steering wheel cover that the airbag is supposed to be attached to? I see a hole on each side of the cover but do not know how it is removed. Maybe when i pick up the new covers it will become self evident. Thanks for the info so far.

 

[adsm08]

Just unhook the battery. The shop manual says to remove the RCM fuse as well, but I rarely bother doing either and have yet to have one go off on me.

The driver's air bag is released by sticking a 3mm allen key into the holes you mentioned. Push in and it should let that side pop out. There are two "fingers" that are spring loaded and stick latch into the wheel. The holes are there to release them. A straight pick can work too, but the 3mm allen key is easiest.

 

[Raw16057]

Okay, thanks ,I have found that the airbags were replaced previously. I tried the new module, no good. So far i have about $400 invested and now i am going to the junkyard for seat belt retractors. I think the clock spring is next. I don't even know what a clock spring is?

 

[ZMan]

Okay, thanks ,I have found that the airbags were replaced previously. I tried the new module, no good. So far i have about $400 invested and now i am going to the junkyard for seat belt retractors. I think the clock spring is next. I don't even know what a clock spring is?

I wasnt sure if rangers had the seat belt retractors or not, but if they do thats a definite possibility. The clock spring is basically what the steering wheel bolts to and spins on, its a coiled spring that all the electronics for the airbags, cruise control, horn, etc runs through. Maybe it will be a good idea to take it to a shop that specializes in airbags to determine the actual problem before you spend too much more money, theres a place in my area called "airbag services" that does all that stuff.

 

[Raw16057]

I am dealing with a shop and on tuesday after the holiday i am dropping it off to them. I did not know how complicated this system is. But I have the whole system out of another ranger so the shop should not have too much trouble.
As far as the clock spring goes everything else works ,horn,cruise ,all that stuff.
i will let you know what happens.

 

[Raw16057]

It is repaired thank god! The seat belt retractors did the trick,light went out and i am a happy camper. Thanks for all the info guys, love this site.

 

[ZMan]

Good to hear, thanks for the update!