Component Replacement Disabling Procedure

This procedure should only be used when replacing air bag system components.

1. Record pre-set radio frequencies for reprogramming, if equipped. Move and tilt seats to their highest and most rearward position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Wait at least one minute for back-up power supply to deplete stored energy.
2. Remove lower steering column opening cover bolts. Pull out on lower steering column opening cover to release clips and remove lower steering column opening cover with reinforcement. Push in on retaining tab and disconnect clockspring electrical connector, located at base of steering column. See Fig 1 . Install Air Bag Simulator (418-F403) to harness side of clockspring electrical connector. See AIR BAG SIMULATOR  .
3. Remove dual-stage passenger-side air bag. See DUAL-STAGE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Connect Air Bag Simulator (418-F403) to passenger-side air bag vehicle harness connector (in place of dual-stage air bag). See Fig 2 .
   CAUTION: Removing side air bag bridge resistor can cause low resistance fault. AIR BAG warning light illumination and Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may result. Some models are not equipped with side air bags. Side air bag bridge resistors are installed in place of side air bags on these models. Do not remove side air bag bridge resistors unless directed.
4. On models equipped with side air bags, push in tab on right side air bag module connector and disconnect harness connector. Install Air Bag Simulator (418-133) on harness side of side air bag module connector. Repeat procedure for left side air bag module.
   NOTE: Air bag simulator for left seat belt pretensioner (418-F405) and right seat belt pretensioner (418-F407) are similar but not interchangeable. Ensure correct tool is installed on correct connector.
5. On all models, push in on release tab, disconnect right seat belt pretensioner 10-pin electrical connector. Install Air Bag Simulator (418-F407) on harness side of pretensioner 10-pin electrical connector. Repeat procedure for left seat belt pretensioner.
6. Connect negative battery cable. With air bag simulators installed at all deployable SRS devices, perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  . Disconnect negative battery cable.

Fig 1: Identifying Lower 4-pin Clockspring Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Identifying Passenger-side Air Bag Module Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.