Airbag replacement?

[JerriLampon]

What do we do about replacing old airbags? Are they still good?
I was recently talking to a man whose wife's 2002 Thunderbird was totaled when a car pulled out in
front of her. I asked if she was injured and he said she was OK. "These cars don't have airbags, you know",
he added. Apparently, none of the airbags went off in an accident sufficient to destroy the car and it made me wonder........

This applies not only to our 20+ year old Thunderbirds, but to millions of other vehicles on the roads today.

[007Cruiser]

The bags require a certain amount of force to be set off. Perhaps the accident was below that threshold. Interesting question that you raise. There must be some way to have them tested.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

My passenger side airbag does not work. Now way to replace it??

[007Cruiser]

Perhaps this can help you test to be sure it’s working.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uAklUl...YmFnIHRlc3Q%3D

[007Cruiser]

Removing an airbag

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QWDRj8...ZGVyYmlyZCA%3D

[PaBlkBrd]

My passenger side airbag does not work. Now way to replace it??

Just curious Greg, how do you know it doesn't work? and yes, it can be replaced

[Hippie-Dog]

The problem with airbags in these cars is the major airbags.

There are curtain airbags in both seats on the window facing sides of both seats (ever noticed why the leather wears different on that part of the seat?)
There's one in the steering wheel and one in the dash on the passenger seat side too

Those are your big restraints (seatbelt required) in a modern convertible car.

But all of those things are dependent on a simple switch and they rust if exposed to water.

While airbags do have a expiration date as long as they are not exposed to water they should be fine.

So the one in the steering wheel is the most important as it will cause you to lose control if it malfunctions


I'd say you are fine unless it leaked water sitting around outside

And check the impact switch! The reason you can total a car without them going off is the trigger!


If the metal shell on the back is even stained with signs of water, replace it


Side airbags? Always make sure your windows are adjusted so you get no leaks on the side of the seat (there's a airbag in there)


SIMPLE STUFF:

Press down and roll the window all the way down and hold the window switsh down for a few seconds (you may hear a audible click)
This resets the window adjustment


Then simply roll it up and hold for 2 seconds


Out of adjustment window leaks are a real problem with these cars.

[Hippie-Dog]

Removing an airbag

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QWDRj8...ZGVyYmlyZCA%3D

Good vid! Remember to disconnect the Negative pole of the battery, then press the brake peddle after a few minutes as the lights will drain any excess voltage.

I wait at least 30 minuets and then press the brake peddle down for at least 30 seconds to conserve the computers from any unforeseen voltage spikes.


REMEMBER!!! Dealing with airbags should be considered as serious as dealing with a stick of dynamite!!!



THEY ARE BOTH EXPLOSIVES!!!!

[007Cruiser]

THEY ARE BOTH EXPLOSIVES!!!!

True dat.

[Bobnoir1]

My concern is that the plastic bags themselves could tend to deteriorate over the years with different humidities,
temperature extremes, etc.

[Hippie-Dog]

It's possible...

In my 2002 the seats are getting obvious where the curtain bags are located, both on the lower seat next to the door and the side of the seats next to the windows are showing wear differently than the rest of the seat.

My understanding is that as long as they never get wet they (airbags) survive far beyond the life of the car but the obvious deuterations after 20+ years is evident.

As far as the steering wheel bag is concerned they have had no reports of failure but if you don't wreck you never know if they work or don't work.

Bottom line is don't wreck (duh) and if you are worried inspect/replace the sensors.


Here's how...

https://youtu.be/71m6Vdg0FdU?si=lvQKtW5c2N30iRVm



This must ONLY be done with the battery disconnected for 30 minuets or so and discharge the car voltage by holding down on the brake peddle for 30 seconds before even starting to mess with ANY airbag component.

Failure to do so can cause a boom.

I think you are OK as long as the car is in good shape. Floods or neglect can cause problems but that should be evident looking at the overall condition of the car.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

My airbag light is on. I took it to Ford and they said it is the passenger seat bag and it is not working. There are no replacements available. BUT, sometimes the light goes off. Go figure

[Hippie-Dog]

My airbag light is on. I took it to Ford and they said it is the passenger seat bag and it is not working. There are no replacements available. BUT, sometimes the light goes off. Go figure

The most common thing I've seen to cause airbag light to come on is a failing clockspring which is a winding of wire behind steering wheel that connects to the wheel airbag.

Had to replace mine and it wasn't that much trouble, you will have to pull the steering wheel but I just borrowed a puller from auto zone and did it in my back yard in about a hour.

Do your steering wheel buttons for the radio and cruse control work?

If that's not the problem more likely than not it's the sensor.

https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/oem-f...ag_sensor.html

Test them using the method below to know which one you need...

https://youtu.be/71m6Vdg0FdU?si=lvQKtW5c2N30iRVm


sometimes it's simple crud in the plug under the seat...


Usually B1932 is what shows up when the clock spring fails.

Hope this helps :-)

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Steering wheel buttons all work. Ad says the part is discontinued. Does the light coming on mean the airbag is not going to work?

[Hippie-Dog]

In my experience I have never known the actual airbag to fail.

Generally speaking it is usually a bad electrical connection.

I've had several problems like the clock spring (no horn or steering wheel buttons), the automatic steering wheel adjustment and the mirrors not working.

All were due to wiring issues.

Have you tried to turn it (passenger) off using the key? If so did the "off" light come on?

Do you know what the error code number was that ford scanned? If not go to autozone and get a free scan if you don't have a scanner.

You may also want to purchase a bluetooth scanner like this one...

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-OBD...dp/B0D66YC1HR/

Works with your smartphone and costs less than 10 bucks.

Torque lite is a free app you can use with it.