I received and replaced the clock spring and missing indicator bulbs.
The horn is now working, the missing instrument panel lamps are now functioning, but the air bag light continues to flash 3,2 (LFC 32).
I tried using my scanner (Actron CP9580A) to bring up fault code B1932, but it didn't - even with a flashing airbag light. I checked the scanner on my 97 Expedition, which has the air bag light on as well (LFC52 - another project) and again, no fault code was found. I called Actron tech support and they told me that my scanner did not support SRS diagnosis. I'll have to go to Plan B (Autozone ?) on that but my question now is - if the original underlying fault is remedied, does the air bag light have to be manually cleared (in which case the fault may no longer be there) or does the air bag light clear itself automatically (in which case the fault is still present)?

 

In reading back through the original thread, I had said that the air bag warning light was flashing 3, then 6 (3,6) - LFC 36. It is now flashing 3,2 - LFC 32. I believe I was in error when I first reported the flashing sequence as 3,6. In either case, I will have to retrieve a specific DTC, before the manual will allow me to go forward.

 

LFC 32 equates to B1932 (Driver Air Bag Circuit Resistance High).

 

LFC 32 equates to B1932 (Driver Air Bag Circuit Resistance High) .

 

Are you sure you plugged the airbag back in before reassembling everything?

 

Yes. I'm sure I plugged it in. Today I applied DeOxit and dielectric grease to all connectors.

 

In that case it could be a bad airbag module. This is not something for you to test with an ohmmeter since that would introduce voltage to the airbag which would risk deployment. It should be tested by a professional.

 

Well it took a little while, but I finally replaced that clock spring. The horn now works but the air bag light is still blinking. I ran another, more comprehensive OBD diagnostic check and it produced five air bag trouble codes! Two from each passenger seat and one from the air bag module.
A mechanic friend reviewed the OBD codes and examined the front seats for obvious problems. Being a Chevrolet mechanic by trade, he told me he wasn't very familiar with the car but he couldn't find any evidence of airbags in the seat backs. Since side air bags were an option, I'm wondering if the car originally had that option but the leather front seats were replaced at some point with seats without air bags, triggering all of the four air bag codes. As far fetched as that might sound, it would explain the missing airbags, the four air bag codes and the missing AWL bulb.

 

I dont think these came with side airbaigs in the seats, only belt tensioners. Though I have to admit that I am not too familiar with the Navigator so might be that they came with it. Someone have to confirm this

 

I found it in the Navigator 2001 Owners manual. A paragraph under the heading Side Air Bag System (if so equipped) is on Page 119. I'm now attempting to get a list of the original options from the VIN.

 

Ok, guess tje Navigators get these things way before the Expy.. My 05 dont have side air bags, only side curtains.

 

I was able to get the full option list (from the VIN) online. If you're interested,
compnine.com was the first site I came across that actually did give the original build sheet / option list when you entered the VIN. It costs $5. for five VIN's.
My car was originally built with side air bags on both driver's and passenger's front seats. Now I've got to re-examine the seat backs for the presence (or lack thereof) of the original air bags. If the seat backs don't have air bags, I will need to find a way to delete and override the OBD codes being generated by the non-air bag seats.

 

You can override it with a resistor which fools the module to think the air bag is fine. And you dont have to pay to see this info, Ford provides a build sheet for free. Dont have the URL here now as I'm on my cell phone at the moment

 

You da' man! If you remember where you've seen it, please let me know.
I just found this picture of a 2001 Navigator being sold by a dealer in Florida. The description states "front side air bags". The sides of seat bolsters are seamed, seemingly to allow for the deployment of the side air bags.


Sorry for the quality.

Now my seats -



No seam on the side of the bolster. That would seem to confirm my suspicions. Seats have been replaced sometime in the past. Who woulda guessed it.

 

Also, reading through past posts, I am going to have the airbag module tested by my friend, the Chevrolet mechanic. He said something about having the test equipment at the dealership. That's the fifth air bag code.