Allright, i have a new to me 2001 F-150 XL w/5.4, auto trans, a/c, 7700 package. I just noticed the air bag light coming on and flashing at startup then going solid for the rest of my trip. it is flashing code 46 which i searched on here (great site by the way, answered all of my questions so far just by searching) found out that it is =

B1877 46 24 Driver Pretensioner Circuit Resistance High (or low) Go To Pinpoint Test F.


If anyone can help me with further troubleshooting of this problem, i would greatly appreciate it. I'm not new to fords or automotive work in general but this is my first F series rig, and my first airbag fault to fix. Any info on steps to take next or what parts to replace will again be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!!

 

oh snap, forgot to tell you all that i'm retarded and can't even spell troubleshoot...no wonder

 

checked the plugs under the seat, the're plugged in and tight. whats next?

 

anyone? i could use a hand.....

 

Is your "2001 F-150 XL w/5.4, auto trans, a/c, 7700 package" a regular cab or a Super Cab? If Super Cab the seat belt extends from the "wart" on the seat back, right?

 

yes, i have a supercab, sorry to leave that out. i called the dealer and they said the pretensioner is the buckle (closer to the floor that you insert the belt in to) not the part on the back of the seat.

 

Correct, seat integrated SRS system has the pretensioners in the buckle part. Regular cabs have the pretensioners in the retractor. Check for a good clean connection of the plug and make sure the wiring coming from the seat belt buckle is undamaged. You may be forced to have it diagnosed at Ford.

Just a question here, was the lamp flashing when you bought the truck? If so, could the bags have been deployed and the belt pretensioner not replaced? The belt will still work when the pretensioner is in the buckle. When it's in the retractor the belt will no longer extend, rendering it unusable.

This is a Cadillac buckle, looks just like a Ford. If yours has the accordion section pulled tight it's deployed. If it's loose looking like this it has not been.

 

yes, i'll have a look at that "accordion" section tonight to see how it looks, i'm at work right now. i already got under there and made sure both connections were clean/tight and the wiring looks fine.

Yes i did buy the truck with the light on but i got it for about 2k under KBB and the carfax is clean, the rest of the airbag system i can see doesnt look like its been repaired/replaced. thanks for the help, i'll keep you posted this evening when i check it out

 

Well, seat belts are in the neighborhood of $125 per side new and FYI Carfax is totally unreliable. You can replace bags and modules and you can't tell it.If you have to buy both belts and a module you're still good. Look up Carfax on ConsumerAffairs.com: Knowledge is Power! Consumer news, reviews, complaints, resources, safety recalls and see what you get! Anyway, check out the buckles.

 

yeah, i called my local ford dealer already and they quoted me at $89 a side so we'll see. I know carfax arent that great but the frame is straight and there's no evidence of frame damage/repair underneath. truck drives great and runs even better. i just could NOT beat the price...i'll take care of these annoying little lite and it'll be %100

 

$89 a side? Is that just the buckle/pretensioner or the whole belt assembly? Fix a little, save a lot! If it ain't broke or bent I won't buy it!

 

that was just for the buckly/pretensioner assembly each side.


thanks for supporting the troops by the way! I'm Active - USAF

 

i checked this weekend and my belts still look all accordion-ed up and not extended so i'm guessing there not deployed. but can they still be bad? i'd rather not buy them both just to find out its something else....and i dont want to let the stealership rape me on service either.