Air Bag Disposal Procedures

Air Bag Disposal Recommendation Chart:

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, and scrapping a deployed module. Disposal recommendations for these situations are shown in the following chart and discussed in detail.

Deployed Air Bag

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

Undeployed Air Bag, Faulty

In the event that an air bag is diagnosed as faulty (refer to Diagnostic Procedures), the faulty air bag module must be replaced by a new air bag. The faulty air bag module 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 1285 S. MILL STREET
PLYMOUTH, MI 48170

NOTE: All faulty live air bag modules have been placed on the Mandatory Return List. All discolored or damaged modules should be treated the same as any faulty live air bag module being returned. The air bag module must be packaged and shipped according to the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Retain packaging used for replacement air bag module, including the labeling. Do not deploy.

Properly package the air bag 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 bag modules. 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 PROCEDURES 1 OR 2 PRIOR TO SCRAPPING VEHICLE.

Procedure 1

Electronic Deployment with Wiring Intact

This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag module is to be scrapped. Scrapping a vehicle may be required due to severe damage in a non-air bag module deployable accident or at the end of the vehicle's useful life. This procedure assumes that the air bag module wiring remains intact; that is, no diagnostic trouble codes are indicated by the air bag warning indicator, that the system proves out correctly, and the vehicle's battery is still in place (or one has been provided). This procedure is to be performed outdoors, away from other personnel, since the deploying air bag module makes a loud report upon actuation.

1. Check and clear the front seat of all loose objects.
2. Do not permit any occupants to remain inside the vehicle.
3. Open the hood and check for an operational vehicle battery. If no battery is found, supply one and connect it in the usual manner.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and observe the air bag warning indicator. If the air bag warning indicator illuminates for six seconds and then stops, the system is intact and may be deployed. Continue this procedure. If a series of diagnostic trouble codes appears, go to Procedure 2 to deploy the unit.
5. Turn ignition switch to the OFF position.
6. Locate the safing sensor behind the LH cowl side trim panel. Locate the connector on the wiring from the safing sensor.





7. Pull the connector apart and examine the wiring harness end of the connector (not the sensor end). Identify Circuits 611(W/O) and 614 (GY/O).
8. Using a 152mm (6 inch) length of bare wire, short the 611(W/O) and 614(GY/O) circuits together.
9. Locate a front air bag sensor and bracket electrical connector mounted on the shock tower. Disconnect the front air bag sensor electrical connector.

WARNING: ENSURE NO OCCUPANTS ARE IN THE VEHICLE.









10. Using a 152mm (6 inch) length of bare wire, jump Circuit 617(PK/O) or 619(PK/W) to ground.
11. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the air bag material will be visible in the center of the steering wheel. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling. If the air bag does not deploy, go to Procedure 2.

The air bag module is now inoperative and the vehicle may be scrapped in accordance with scrap metal procedures.

Procedure 2

Remote Deployment of Air Bag

This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag is to be scrapped, but the vehicle does not contain an intact wiring harness or certain system components are inoperative. This procedure can also be used if Procedure 1 was unsuccessful.


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

1. Remove the driver side air bag module from the vehicle as.
2. Cut the two module connector wires and strip 25mm (1 inch) of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires at least 6m (20 ft) long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the air bag module wires.
3. Place the air bag module with the trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in a remote area such as a parking lot or field.

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

4. Remaining at least 6m (20 ft) away from the air bag module, 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 bag module to allow for cooling.

The air bag module is now deployed and may be scrapped in accordance with scrap metal procedures.