Remote Deployment Of Side AIR Bag Module (With Side Curtain & Side AIR Bags, Seats Removed)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
This procedure is to be used when a vehicle with a live side air bag module is to be scrapped.
- Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
- Remove side air bag module. See SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Cut and strip side air bag harness wires. Connect side curtain air bag harness connector to air bag module. Obtain 2 wires, 20 gauge minimum and each at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each 20-foot wire to one end of each side air bag wire. See Fig 1 .
- Remain at least 20 feet away from air bag module. Deploy side curtain air bag by touching loose ends of both wires to 12-volt battery terminals. If successful, a loud noise will be heard and air bag material will be visible. Allow at least 10 minutes for cooling before approaching air bag. Side air bag is now inoperative. If side air bag does not deploy, air bag is faulty. Contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions on disposal procedures.