Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Deactivation and Reactivation: Deactivation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always wear eye protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, safety canopy or side air curtain modules. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of accidental deployment, do not use any memory saver devices. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: Remove restraint system diagnostic tools from the vehicle prior to road testing. If tools are not removed, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) device may not deploy in a crash. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death in a crash and possibly violate vehicle safety standards.

NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Position the shifter lever in the 1st gear position.
Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
At the central junction box (CJB), located below the LH side of the instrument panel, remove the cover and RCM fuse 2 (10A) from the CJB. For additional information, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article .
Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air bag warning indicator will remain lit continuously (no flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been removed. If the air bag warning indicator does not remain lit continuously, remove the correct RCM fuse before proceeding.
Turn the ignition OFF.

WARNING: Always deplete the backup power supply before repairing or installing any new front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) component and before servicing, removing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side impact sensors or the restraints control module (RCM). Nearby components include doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

See DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION for location of the RCM and impact sensor(s).

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment.

Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING & CABLES article.

NOTE: A tool that has a blunt end, such as a 4 mm (0.15 in) Allen wrench, is better able to disengage the steering wheel spring clip from the driver air bag module locking pins.

Using a 4 mm (0.15 in) Allen wrench or suitable tool, place 2 marks on the tool as an aid to remove the driver air bag module. One mark should be approximately 35 mm (1.37 in) from the end of the tool with the second mark approximately 45 mm (1.77 in) from the end of the tool.

Fig 1: Identifying Allen Wrench (With Specifications)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The steering wheel rear cover has internal guides that assist in directing the tool to the correct location. Allow the steering wheel rear cover to guide the tool, minimal force is needed.

Gently insert the tool into a steering wheel rear cover upper access hole until the end of the tool comes into contact with an obstruction. The 45 mm (1.77 in) mark on the tool should be even or close to even with the steering wheel rear cover. If the 45 mm (1.77 in) mark on the tool is not even or close to even with the steering wheel rear cover, remove the tool from the steering wheel and carry out the step once again to correctly position the tool.
- If the 45 mm (1.77 in) mark on the tool goes into the steering wheel rear cover, the tool was directed past the steering wheel spring clip. Use a tool of a slightly larger diameter or, using the internal guides of the steering wheel rear cover, insert the tool to the 45 mm (1.77 in) mark and proceed to the next step.

Fig 2: Inserting Allen Wrench

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The steering wheel is removed for clarity. The upper corner of the steering wheel rear cover is cutaway to show the internal guides and the steering wheel spring clip.

With the tool correctly positioned, remove the tool approximately 2-3 mm (0.07-0.11 in) from the access hole then gently push the tool forward (toward front of vehicle). This puts the tool in the best position to disengage the steering wheel spring clip from the driver air bag module locking pin.

Fig 3: Positioning Allen Wrench

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Make sure to disengage the steering wheel spring clip from the driver air bag module locking pin before gently pulling the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module. No or very little force is needed to separate the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module from the steering wheel once the spring clip is disengaged from the locking pin.

NOTE: When the steering wheel spring clip is disengaged from the first locking pin, the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module will only separate 2-4 mm (0.07-0.15 in) from the steering wheel. The driver air bag module will separate more noticeably as subsequent locking pins are disengaged.

Push the tool deeper into the access hole (approximately 4-8 mm [0.15-0.31 in]) with enough force to disengage the steering wheel spring clip from the driver air bag module locking pin. The corresponding corner of the driver air bag module should pop up once the spring clip is disengaged from the locking pin. Gently pull the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module to make sure the locking pin does not re-engage the spring clip. Remove the tool from the access hole. Discontinue pulling on the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module.
- If the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module does not easily separate from the steering wheel, the spring clip is not disengaged from the locking pin. Repeat the necessary steps to correctly position the tool and disengage the spring clip from the locking pin.

Fig 4: Repositioning Allen Wrench

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The steering wheel rear cover has internal guides that assist in directing the tool to the correct location. Allow the steering wheel rear cover to guide the tool, minimal force is needed.

Working on the same side of the steering wheel, gently insert the tool into a steering wheel rear cover lower access hole until the end of the tool comes into contact with an obstruction. The 35 mm (1.37 in) mark on the tool should be even or close to even with the steering wheel cover. If the 35 mm (1.37 in) mark on the tool is not even or close to even with the steering wheel cover, remove the tool from the access hole and carry out the step once again to correctly position the tool.
- If the 35 mm (1.37 in) mark on the tool goes into the steering wheel rear cover, the tool was directed past the steering wheel spring clip. Use a tool of a slightly larger diameter or, using the internal guides of the steering wheel rear cover, insert the tool to the 35 mm (1.37 in) mark and proceed to the next step.

Fig 5: Inserting Allen Wrench

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The steering wheel is removed for clarity. The lower corner of the steering wheel rear cover is cutaway to show the internal guides and the steering wheel spring clip.

With the tool correctly positioned, remove the tool approximately 2-3 mm (0.07-0.11 in) from the access hole then gently push the tool forward (toward front of vehicle). This puts the tool in the best position to disengage the steering wheel spring clip from the driver air bag module locking pin.

Fig 6: Positioning Allen Wrench

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Push the tool deeper into the access hole (approximately 3-6 mm [0.11-0.23 in]) with enough force to disengage the steering wheel spring clip from the driver air bag module locking pin. The corresponding corner of the driver air bag module should pop up once the spring clip is disengaged from the locking pin. Gently pull the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module to make sure the locking pin does not reengage the spring clip. Remove the tool from the access hole. Discontinue pulling on the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module.
- If the corresponding corner of the driver air bag module does not easily separate from the steering wheel, the spring clip is not disengaged from the locking pin. Repeat the necessary steps to correctly position the tool and disengage the spring clip from the locking pin.

Fig 7: Reinserting Allen Wrench

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Disengage the steering wheel spring clips from the 2 locking pins on one side of the driver air bag module before proceeding to the other side.

Repeat the above steps to disengage the 2 remaining driver air bag module locking pins.

NOTE: The driver air bag electrical connectors cannot be reversed at installation. Note the electrical connectors position for installation.

Disconnect and remove the driver air bag module.
1. Release the driver air bag module electrical wiring from the driver air bag wiring clip.
2. Squeeze the tabs and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
3. Squeeze the tabs and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
4. Disconnect the horn electrical connector.
5. Remove the driver air bag module.

Fig 8: Identifying Driver Air Bag Module Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Attach the restraint system diagnostic tools to the clockspring electrical connectors at the top of the steering column.

Fig 9: Identifying Restraint System Diagnostic Tools

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the steering column to the full down position.
Remove the 2 instrument cluster finish panel screws.

Fig 10: Locating Instrument Cluster Finish Panel Screws

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Release the retainer on the instrument cluster finish panel LH side.

Fig 11: Locating LH Side Retainer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Release the RH side retainers and position aside the instrument cluster finish panel.

Fig 12: Locating RH Side Retainer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Open the glove compartment. Disconnect the glove compartment isolator.
While pushing in on the 2 glove compartment door tabs, position the glove compartment downward.

Fig 13: Glove Compartment Door Tab

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Through the glove compartment opening, locate the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

Fig 14: Locating Passenger Air Bag Module Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Looking up into the glove compartment opening, disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.
1. Push the passenger air bag module electrical connector together.
2. Push down, pivoting the electrical connector retainer and release the electrical connector retainer.
3. Pull out, disconnecting the vehicle harness end of the connector from the component end.

Fig 15: Pushing Passenger Air Bag Module Electrical Connector Together

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Through the glove compartment opening, remove the passenger air bag module bolts.

Fig 16: Identifying Passenger Air Bag Module Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not handle the passenger air bag module by grabbing the edges of the deployment doors. Damage to the air bag module may occur.

Placing one hand in the glove compartment opening, push the passenger air bag module out from the instrument panel.
- Release the retaining clips and alignment pins from the instrument panel. The retaining clips are located at the upper LH and RH corners, and the alignment pins at the lower LH and RH corners of the passenger air bag module deployment door.

Fig 17: Identifying Retaining Clips And Alignment Pins

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Care must be taken to prevent damage to the passenger air bag module electrical connectors and locking inserts.

Gently pry each side of the passenger air bag module jumper harness electrical connector locking insert, working alternately side to side, until the locking insert separates from the electrical connector.
- Repeat to separate the locking insert from the remaining passenger air bag module jumper harness electrical connector.

Fig 18: Identifying Air Bag Module Jumper Harness Electrical Connector Locking Insert

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Care must be taken to prevent damage to the passenger air bag module electrical connectors and locking inserts.

Using suitable tools (small screwdrivers, etc.), carefully depress the 2 locking tabs on the side of the passenger air bag module jumper harness electrical connector and disconnect the electrical connector.
- Repeat to disconnect the remaining passenger air bag module jumper harness electrical connector, detach the pin-type retainer and remove the passenger air bag module jumper harness from the passenger air bag module.

Fig 19: Depressing Locking Tabs On Side Of Passenger Air Bag Module Jumper Harness Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Carefully align the locking inserts to the electrical connectors or damage may result.

Attach the 2 restraint system diagnostic tools (one shown in following illustration) to the 2 passenger air bag module jumper harness electrical connectors and align and install the locking inserts to electrical connectors.

Fig 20: Identifying Restraint System Diagnostic Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Connect the passenger air bag module jumper harness to the passenger air bag module electrical connector on the vehicle wiring harness.

Fig 21: Identifying Diagnostic Tools 418-F395 And Passenger Air Bag Module Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING & CABLES article.
Move the front seats to their highest and most forward position.

See DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION for location of the RCM and impact sensor(s).

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment.

Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING & CABLES article.
Disconnect the passenger seat side air bag module electrical connector, located at the lower rear of the seat cushion pan.

Fig 22: Locating Passenger Seat Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 23: Identifying Restraint System Diagnostic Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector, located at the lower rear of the seat cushion pan.

Fig 24: Locating Driver Seat Side Air Bag Module Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the seat harness side of the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector.

Fig 25: Identifying Restraint System Diagnostic Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the RCM fuse 2 (10A) to the CJB.
Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING & CABLES article.