Disposal Procedures

AIR BAG DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATION





Several situations may arise which require some form of disposal action: scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag, scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag, disposal of a live but electrically inoperative air bag module or scrapping a deployed module. Disposal recommendations for these situations are shown in the chart and discussed in detail.

Air Bags, Deployed





To service a vehicle in which the air bag has deployed, the deployed air bag must be replaced with a new air bag module. The deployed air bag can be disposed of in the same manner as any part to be scrapped.

Air Bag, Undeployed-Faulty

NOTE: All faulty live air bags have been placed on the Mandatory Return List. All discolored or damaged modules should be treated the same as any faulty live air bag being returned.





In the event that an air bag is diagnosed as inoperative, the inoperative air bag must be replaced by a new air bag. The inoperative air bag cannot be disposed of in the usual manner. It must be returned intact to Ford Motor Company for proper disposal. Return the carton to the following address for warranty claim credit:

WARRANTY PARTS RETURN CENTER
7655 NORTH HAGGERTY ROAD
CANTON, MI 48187-2435

The air bag must be packaged and shipped according to the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Retain packaging used for replacement air bag, including the labeling. Do not deploy air bag. Properly package the module in the original service replacement carton and securely tape shut, with the flammable solid label and shipping exemption affixed to it.

Scrapped Vehicle
Some vehicles that are damaged or inoperable to the point that service cannot be made may contain undeployed air bags. This condition could occur by side or rear impact, rollover or if the vehicle is simply past its useful lifetime. The air bags should be deployed using the following procedure:

Air Bag Deployment, Remote

WARNING: REMOTE DEPLOYMENT IS TO BE PERFORMED OUTDOORS WITH ALL PERSONNEL AT LEAST 6 M (20 FEET) AWAY TO ENSURE PERSONAL SAFETY AND DUE TO THE LOUD REPORT WHICH OCCURS WHEN DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS ARE DEPLOYED.

1. Remove the driver side air bag module and passenger side air bag module from the vehicle.
2. Cut the two module connector wires and strip 25 mm (1 inch) of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires at least 6 m (20 feet) long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the air bag module wires.

WARNING: DO NOT PLACE THE AIR BAG WITH THE TRIM COVER FACING DOWN, AS THE FORCES OF THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG MAY CAUSE IT TO RICOCHET AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

3. Place the air bag with the trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in a remote area such as a parking lot or field.
4. Remaining at least 6 m (20 feet) away from the air bag, deploy it by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12-volt vehicle battery.
5. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the air bag material will be visible. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bags to allow for cooling.

The air bags are now deployed and may be scrapped in accordance with scrap metal procedures.