Ok, I feel sure that my airbag dash light has blown. For about 2 years now it has been on and now it doesn't light up and I'm getting the '5 chimes, 3 time' song from under the dash.
My question is how hard is it to access the airbag bulb? I know how to remove the dash cover, it just snaps off, but what's next? Will the whole instrument panel have to be removed?
I hate to tear into a project and not know what's ahead...I did a search and couldn't find what I was looking for. Any of you guys have any ideas or suggestions?

 

You'll have to pull the radio first. It's recommended (not required) to loosen the 2 screws directly above the radio, but I always seem to forget this step. As you unsnap the dash you'll need to unplug things like the headlight switch, cig lighter, passenger air bag off switch (wires are still there even if you have a crew cab).

At that point it's just 4 screws to remove the instrument panel. The bulbs go in the back of the instrument panel, so it's an easy change once you get everything out.

 

I hope this is of help to you.
I found it here:

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pu...20/S1OMAIN.HTM

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Deactivation and Reactivation

Special Tool(s) Diagnostic Tool, Restraint System (2 Req'd)
418-F088 (105-R0012)

Deactivation Procedure

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

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: If a seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the SRS must be depowered.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
At the central junction box (CJB), located below the LH side of the instrument panel, remove the cover and the electronic crash sensor (ECS) module or restraints control module (RCM) fuse F23 (10A) from the CJB. For additional information, refer to to the wiring diagram manual.
Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the air bag indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air bag indicator will remain lit continuously (no flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been removed. If the air bag indicator does not remain lit continuously, remove the correct RCM fuse before proceeding.
Turn the ignition OFF.
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.

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).

Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01.
Remove the driver air bag module.
Remove the two back cover plugs.
Remove the two driver air bag module screws.
Disconnect the horn electrical connector.
Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.
Remove the driver bag module.

Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the clockspring electrical connector at the top of the steering column.

Push in on the two glove compartment door tabs and position the glove compartment downward.

Through the glove compartment opening, disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the vehicle harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

Install the ECS or RCM fuse F23 (10A) to the CJB.
Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer toSection 414-01.
Reactivation Procedure

Remove the ECS or RCM fuse F23 (10A) from the CJB.
Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01.
Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

Through the glove compartment opening, connect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

Push in on the two glove compartment door tabs and close the glove compartment door.

Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the clockspring electrical connector.

Install the driver air bag module.
Connect the horn electrical connector.
Connect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
Position the driver air bag module into the steering wheel.
Install the two bolts.
Install the two steering wheel back cover plugs.

WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.

Make sure all restraint system diagnostic tool(s) that may have been installed during the repair have been removed from the vehicle and all SRS components are connected.
Turn the ignition from OFF to ON,
Install the ECS or RCM fuse F23 (10A) to the CJB and install the cover.
WARNING: Be sure that nobody is in the vehicle and that there is nothing blocking or set in front of any air bag module when the battery ground cable is connected.

Connect the battery ground cable.
Prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS) as follows:
Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the key back to ON and visually monitor the air bag indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag indicator will light continuously for approximately six seconds and then turn off. If an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault is present, the air bag indicator will either:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash.
The flashing might not occur until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the restraints control module (RCM) to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of five sets of five beeps. If this occurs, the air bag indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.
Clear all continuous DTCs from the restraints control module using a scan tool.

 

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to know!!!
One more thing, will Auto Zone, Wal Mart or a parts house have the bulb or will I have to go to the stealership?

 

That I'm not to sure of.

 

It seems like I've read that others have got them at radio shack, but that may have been them upgrading to LED's or something. I'd try the parts stores, but it shouldn't be too expensive even if it is a dealer item.

 

I did this not long ago...about a 30 min to an hour job. I got my bulbs from auto zone. They were very cheap, but I could only buy them in packs of two. I figured since I was pulling all of it out, that I would just replace all the bulbs in the instrument panel. I don't remember exactly how many bulbs there were but I know that I bought 11 packs of them. they were right under 2 bucks if I remember correctly.

 

Thanks again guys. This will be my first project in the AM.

 

Something to add to this, I was getting the chime for months after I bought my truck, who knows how long it had been going before then, finally a few weeks ago, lost the chime and the airbag light finally came on, you might not have a bulb problem.

took it to the dealer, clock spring needed to be replaced

just my experience with this, but something to think about before you tear into the dash.