FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Home >> Ford Truck >> 2003 >> Escape 2WD V6-181 3.0L DOHC VIN 1 Duratec >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Restraints and Safety Systems >> Relays and Modules - Restraints and Safety Systems >> Air Bag Control Module >> Service and Repair >> Removal and Replacement >> With Side Air Bag

With Side Air Bag

Special Tool(s):






SPECIAL TOOL(S)

REMOVAL

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.
^ 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.
^ NEVER PROBE THE CONNECTORS ON THE AIR BAG MODULE. DOING SO CAN RESULT IN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
^ THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN SRS SYSTEM 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.
^ VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER 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.
^ 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 COMPONENT OR SYSTEM 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).

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.

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.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.

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.

NOTE:
^ If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side airbag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced the airbag system must be deactivated.
^ Restraint system diagnostic tools MUST be installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) to floor connectors.
^ Diagnostics or repairs are not to be performed on a side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system with the seats in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose/repair the side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system the seats must be removed from the vehicle and the restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed in the side airbag and the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) connectors at the floor connectors. The restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road.
^ Diagnostics may be performed on seat systems other than the side airbag or the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system (lumbar, climate controlled, heated, power seat track) with the seat installed in the vehicle as long as the restraint system diagnostic tools are installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner to floor connectors.
^ After diagnosing/repairing a seat system the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.







2. Remove the steering wheel access cover.







3. Disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
1 Push to release the driver air bag module electrical connector locking clip.
2 Disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.







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







5. Open the glove box past its stops.







6. Through the glove box opening toward the center of the instrument panel, disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.
1 Push to release the passenger air bag module electrical connector locking clip.
2 Disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.







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







8. Disconnect the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector.
1 Remove the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector from the bracket under the seat.
2 Push to release the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector locking clip.
3 Disconnect the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector.







9. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner floor electrical connector.







10. Disconnect the passenger side air bag module electrical connector.
1 Slide and release the passenger side air bag module electrical connector locking clip.
2 Disconnect the passenger side air bag module electrical connector.







11. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the passenger side air bag module floor electrical connector.







12. Disconnect the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector.
1 Remove the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector from the under the seat bracket.
2 Push to release the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector locking clip.
3 Disconnect the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector.







13. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner floor electrical connector.







14. Disconnect the driver side air bag module electrical connector.
1 Slide and release the driver side air bag module electrical connector locking clip.
2 Disconnect the driver side air bag module electrical connector.







15. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the driver side air bag module floor electrical connector.
16. Connect the battery ground cable.
17. With the restraint system diagnostic tools installed at all deployable devices, prove out the air bag system. Prove Out Procedure
18. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
19. Position the carpet back at the right-hand side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.







20. Remove the right-hand side restraint control module (RCM) retaining bolts.







21. Remove the lower LH center instrument panel finish panel.
22. Position the carpet back at the left-hand side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.







23. Remove the RCM.
1 Slide and disengage the two RCM electrical connector locking dips.
2 Push down to pivot the RCM electrical connector tabs and pull out to disconnect.
3 Remove the retaining bolt.
4 Remove the RCM.

INSTALLATION

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.
^ 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.
^ NEVER PROBE THE CONNECTORS ON THE AIR BAG MODULE. DOING SO CAN RESULT IN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
^ THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN SRS SYSTEM 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.
^ VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER 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.
^ 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 COMPONENT OR SYSTEM 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).

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.

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.

1. Position the RCM to the center tunnel area and install the three bolts hand-tight.

WARNING:
^ THE TIGHTENING TORQUE OF THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) RETAINING BOLTS IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION.
^ 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.

NOTE:
^ If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side airbag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced the airbag system must be deactivated.
^ Restraint system diagnostic tools MUST be installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) to floor connectors.
^ Diagnostics or repairs are not to be performed on a side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system with the seats in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose/repair the side airbag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system the seats must be removed from the vehicle and the restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed in the side airbag and the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) connectors at the floor connectors. The restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road.
^ Diagnostics may be performed on seat systems other than the side airbag or the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system (lumbar, climate controlled, heated, power seat track) with the seat installed in the vehicle as long as the restraint system diagnostic tools are installed under the seats in the side airbag and safety belt pretensioner to floor connectors.
^ After diagnosing/repairing a seat system the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.







2. Tighten the right-hand side RCM bolts.

WARNING: THE TIGHTENING TORQUE OF THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) RETAINING BOLTS IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION.

3. Reposition the carpet back at the right-hand side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.







4. Connect the RCM.
1 Tighten the bolt.
2 Connect the RCM electrical connectors.
3 Slide and engage the RCM electrical connector locking clips.

WARNING: THE TIGHTENING TORQUE OF THE RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) RETAINING BOLTS IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION.

5. Reposition the carpet back at the left-hand side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.







6. Install the lower LH center instrument panel finish panel.
7. Connect the battery ground cable.
8. With the restraint system diagnostic tools still installed at all deployable devices, prove out the air bag system. Prove Out Procedure
9. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.







10. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner floor electrical connector.

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.







11. Connect the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector. Install the driver safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector onto the bracket under the seat.







12. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the driver side air bag module floor electrical connector.

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.







13. Connect the driver side air bag module electrical connector. Install the driver side air bag module electrical connector onto the bracket under the seat.







14. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner floor electrical connector.

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.







15. Connect the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector. Install the passenger safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connector onto the bracket under the seat.







16. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the passenger side air bag module floor electrical connector.

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.







17. Connect the passenger side air bag module electrical connector. Install the passenger side air bag module electrical connector onto the bracket under the seat.







18. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the vehicle harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

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.







19. Connect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.
20. Close the glove box.







21. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the clockspring electrical connector at the top of the steering column.

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.







22. Connect the driver air bag module electrical connector.







23. Install the steering wheel access cover.
24. Connect the battery ground cable.
25. With all the restraint system diagnostic tools removed, prove out the air bag system. Prove Out Procedure

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.
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