Air bags

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Sep 6, 2006 | 09:04 PM

alan hodges

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From: Longmont co.

Air bags

I'm looking at a 99 ranger that has had the air bags blown. I know I can get used ones ( e-bay or wrecking yard) but has anyone out there done this? What do I need to know before buying this truck and not have a air bag blowup in my face? Thanks

Sep 6, 2006 | 09:45 PM

Dave257

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You will need the air bags and (Maybe) the rcm - the control module- if its memory is full. It needs to be for a ranger, it looks for an ID and may not work if its from the wrong vehicle. There is some interchange between vehicles, but I don't know which ones. If it has Pretensioners on the seat belts, you will need those also. Again I'm not sure if the 99 has them or not.
There is always a chance they will go off if not handeled correctly...
Dave

Sep 7, 2006 | 08:01 AM

alan hodges

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From: Longmont co.

Thanks Dave.
It's the handled not correctly that bothers me.

Sep 7, 2006 | 12:57 PM

dono

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave257

If it has Pretensioners on the seat belts, you will need those also. Again I'm not sure if the 99 has them or not.
There is always a chance they will go off if not handeled correctly...
Dave

I don't think the '99 has pretensioners.

Sep 7, 2006 | 02:16 PM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan hodges

Thanks Dave.
It's the handled not correctly that bothers me.

Biggest trick when handling the SRS components is ground, When we used to do it we had a strap that you put on your leg and attached to the car with an aligator clamp this eliminates static electricity which is the number 1 cause of accidental detonation. So basically before touching them, make sure your grounded to the vehicle very well. Also if you can get ahold of it they make a jumper wire that connects to the connector of the airbag that prevents accidental detonation while shipping right up till installation, a body shop might keep them around from when they ordered new ones for someones car. And lastly make darn sure you remove the fuse for the SRS system before doing anything, also turn on the head lights then unhook the battery and leave it for atleast an hour before starting.
Thats all I can remember right now, maybe some of the guys that are more current on the training can give you some more pointers that I forgot in the past 10 yrs.

Sep 7, 2006 | 02:23 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

I would suggest getting your hands on the Ford factory service manual or an Alldata service manual and reviewing the procedure before attempting this. Rob is dead right on the precautions; you don't want the possibility of static electricity causing air bag deployment during installation. You should also review the Carfax history of this vehicle to see if it's been *branded* due to the air bag deployment/accident as this could come back to bit you when you go to sell it. If it's been branded and you still want the vehicle, make sure you adjust your price substantially (deduct about 50% off of a similar non-wrecked vehicle) to reflect the report.

Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Sep 7, 2006 at 02:26 PM.