Auto Airbag System Repair: Warning beeps-air bag related, minor fender bender, flash flash flash

Question
My 2001 ford expedition does 5 sets of beeps-warning tones every time the car is started.

A few years ago I had a minor fender- bender and the air bag light was on, although the air bag never deployed (and also my horn changed sounds from deep to high pitch). The light stayed on for a few years until recently the light went off and now the vehicle gives me the warning tones (5 sets of 5 beeps when the car is 1st turned on). Please advise on how to turn off.


Answer
Hi Treena

On most vehicles, the airbag light should come on for @6 seconds, and then go off if the system is working properly.  If there is a fault or a problem in the system, the light will remain illuminated, or flash continuously.  If the airbag light does not work properly, some vehicles have an audible tone that sounds indicating a problem with the airbag light system.  When the light is on (or the tone is sounding), the airbag will NOT deploy, even in an accident.   

First, you need to have the bulb replaced so the codes can be retrieved and the beeping stops.  The beeps are NOT the code.  Only the light will flash the correct code.  

The flashing light on your car is telling the code.  Your vehicle will NOT require a scan tool for the diagnosis.  On your vehicle, the light is flashing a two digit code.   Just count the light flashes.  (flash, flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, longer pause...is a code 32) and it will repeat 3 times, then go solid   Once you know the code, you can most likely repair it yourself.  There are fairly easy procedures that most people are capable of repairing.  
Our company, www.Airbagsolutions.com has the fault code charts to tell you what is wrong!  Although it’s a pay site ($14.95/day), it’s a lot cheaper than going to the dealer.  

Good luck

Doug