Before I do something that could turn out to be bad, can anyone tell me how to remove the passenger air bag cover of my 99 Ranger without damaging it? The cover is the next step of my interior painting project. Do I need to remove the dash to get to it or does it just pop out and pop right back in?

Thanks

 

I would recomend contacting your local ford dealership. I've heard stories of just trying to pry the cover off will deploy the airbag. Even if your disconnect the battery, there is a seperate power supply for the airbags for deployment, in case they were to get in an accident, and the battery come disconnected the airbag would deploy.

 

This is what the manual says....note where it says not to paint the air bag cover.

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged deployment doors must be installed new, not repainted.

WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for correct system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.

WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag sensors.

The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .
Open the glove compartment door to access the passenger air bag retaining screws.

Remove the two passenger air bag retaining screws.

CAUTION: Do not handle the passenger air bag module by grabbing the edges of the deployment doors.

Placing one hand in the glove compartment, push the passenger air bag out enough to access the electrical connector.

Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the passenger air bag.