Does any one know where the airbag sensor is mounted on our trucks? I don't want to trip it when installing my custom bumper and brush guard.

 

This is all I could find Jacob:


SECTION 501-20B: Occupant Restraints — Passive — Supplemental Air Bag System

1999 F-150/250 Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Procedure revision date: 02/03/1999
Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

The air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is designed to provide increased collision protection for front seat occupants in addition to that provided by the three-point safety belt system. Safety belt use is necessary to obtain the best occupant protection and to receive the full advantages of the SRS.

The air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components are shown in the following illustration.


Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Components

Item Part Number Description
1 044A74 Passenger air bag module
2 14B268 Passenger air bag deactivation (PAD) switch
3 14B321 Restraints control module (RCM)
4 043B13 Driver air bag module
5 14A664 Air bag sliding contact

Air Bag Module — Driver

The driver air bag module:

* is replaced as an assembly.
* is mounted in the center of the steering wheel.

Driver Air Bag Module

Item Part Number Description
1 043B13 Driver air bag module
2 3600 Steering wheel

3 3F563 Steering wheel (Lightning)

Air Bag Sliding Contact

The air bag sliding contact:

* is mounted on the steering column, behind the steering wheel.
* continuously transfers electrical signals from the driver air bag module to the restraints control module (RCM).

Air Bag Module — Passenger

The passenger air bag module:

* is replaced as an assembly.
* is mounted in the RH side of the instrument panel.

Passenger Air Bag Module

Item Part Number Description
1 044A74 Passenger air bag module
2 04320 Instrument panel

Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Switch

The passenger air bag deactivation (PAD) switch:

* is located on the instrument panel to the right of the climate controls.
* contains a light emitting diode (LED) that indicates when the PAD switch is activated (passenger air bag disabled).
* allows the passenger air bag deployment circuit to be disabled using the ignition key.
* should be used whenever a child safety seat is being used in the front passenger seating position.

Restraints Control Module (RCM)

The restraints control module (RCM) performs the following functions:

* signals the inflators to deploy the air bags in the event of a deployable crash.
* monitors the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) for faults.
* illuminates the air bag indicator if a fault is detected.
* flashes the air bag indicator to indicate the lamp fault code (LFC) detected.
* communicates through the data link connector (DLC) the current or historical diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
* signals the generic electronic module (GEM) to activate a chime if the air bag indicator is not available and another SRS fault exists.

NOTE: The safing sensor is internal to the RCM and is not serviced separately.

The RCM monitors the SRS for possible faults. If a fault is detected while the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the RCM will illuminate the air bag indicator located in the instrument cluster.

When the ignition is cycled (turned off and then on), the air bag indicator will remain lit for six seconds and then go out. If an SRS fault exists, the air bag indicator will then flash the two-digit LFC. The air bag indicator will flash the LFC five times, then it will remain illuminated for the rest of the key cycle. The RCM will also communicate the current and historical DTCs through the DLC, using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester. If the air bag indicator does not function, and the system detects a fault condition, the RCM will signal the GEM to activate an audible chime. The chime is a series of five sets of five tone bursts. If the chime is heard, the SRS and the air bag indicator require repair.

LFCs are prioritized. If two or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority will be displayed first. After that fault has been corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.

The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the air bags in the event that the ignition circuit is damaged in a collision before the safing and air bag sensors determine that an air bag deployment is required. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy approximately one minute after the battery ground cable is disconnected.

Electrical System

The electrical system that supports the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS):

* is powered from the battery through the ignition circuit.
* provides the electrical path from the restraints control module (RCM) to the air bag modules.
* provides the electrical path from the RCM to the air bag indicator.
* provides the electrical path from the RCM to the data link connector (DLC).
* provides the electrical path from the RCM to the generic electronic module (GEM).

Sensor

WARNING: The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for correct system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) has been involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting and bracket for deformation. If damaged, the RCM must be replaced whether or not the air bags have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original condition.The SRS contains two sensors which are integral to the RCM. The RCM is mounted on the center tunnel under the instrument panel.

 

Thanks Jim, I didn't seem to find out where the impact sensor is located though.

 

I wouldn't worry too much Jacob. You'll be doing this with the key off I presume. I've changed out my front bumper for the full ranch hand replacement with grill guard (had to use a forklift to get it in place. No worries about tripping the airbag. It takes a lot stronger hit than mounting a bumper or grill guard to set those off anyway.

 

The sensors are integral to the RCM, they aren't remote.

BTW, you can't set an airbag off by striking a remote sensor. There are other sensors (safing sensors) located elsewhere on the vehicle that must also sense the impact.

 

Sorry Jacob I made that part that you need in bold type.

 

Ok so the sensor is not mounted on the bumper right?

 

You got it brother. How is the new bumper coming along?

 

Jacob, are you planning on running your truck into the new bumper to install it???? Take a vid of this if you do. . I am thinking of getting new bumpers too. I know there is a place in Texas, New Brunsfiled, or something like that. My friend has them and they look great.

 

good I got an idea coming along that might work out. I might use a tube bumper and cover it in steel plating, and build off of that. But I'm not sure this is a very complicated project.

 

LOL. No, I was planning on taking the stock chrome bumper off to figure out a way to mount the bumper to the frame and my dad was warning me about the airbag sensor he dosent want me to trip it and have to pay out of the nose to get it replaced.