QuestionI have a 95' Ford ranger XL (2.3l 4-cylinder). It was in a slight accident in the front right hand corner and the air bag exploded. I got a new air bag, and I didn't hook it up because I was told it could blow again if one of the relay sensors is bad. So I took my OHMs reader to test each relay sensor for a complete circut and they both show a complete circut is present, which is the same result as a new relay sensor I tested from ford. My question is do you now how the air bag system works, should there be a complete circut before I hook up the new airbag or is there some kind of reset that I have to do before I put in the new bag?
Answerif the sensors ck out ok then you are ok to replace the air bag but more then lickly you are going to have to replacs the clock spring in the steering column.Sensors
Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper air bag system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a crash where the fenders or grille area have been damaged, ensure that body structure in the area of the sensor mounting is restored to its original condition. Inspect the air bag sensor mounting brackets (14B045) for damage.
Damaged sensors should be replaced whether or not the air bag is deployed.
Undamaged sensors will reset automatically after a collision and can be reused.
Damaged Wiring
CAUTION: Before attempting diagnostic prove out, check for wiring shorts that could cause the diagnostic monitor to blow the air bag battery feed fuse, causing unnecessary servicing.
Inspect the sensor wiring and the wiring harness for any damage that may have occurred due to the collision. Replace any damaged wiring, terminals, insulation or connectors, as required.
If splices are required in adjacent wiring. Splices should be staggered 51mm (2 inches) apart from each other. Service as follows:
NOTE: A durable splice is a 5-step process to be used for 16 gauge wire and smaller. For larger than 16 gauge wire, a jiffy splice must be used.
Correctly strip the wires.
NOTE: Durability of a wire splice is dependent on getting a joint that does not oxidize. Soldering is effective in keeping the air (oxide) out of the joint. Electronic circuits, and the very high current circuits, may fail because of oxidized joints. Oxidization cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Twist and solder the wire (don't forget to install the shrink tubing first). Use rosin core, mildly activated (RMA) solder. (Do not use acid core.)
Form (bend) the circuit into a shape for sealing as illustrated.
Reposition the shrink tubing over the splice.
NOTE: When the "hot sealant" flows out of both ends of the tube it has been heated long enough.
Heat the entire length of the shrink tubing until the "hot sealant" comes out of both ends.
CAUTION: Use Rotunda Heat Gun 107-R0300 or equivalent only. Do not use a hair dryer or any flame to heat the shrink tubing. Durability of a splice is dependent on keeping the moisture out of the joint. The heat shrink tubing alone won't do the job. The tubing must contain a "hot melt sealant" which is squeezed from both ends of the tube during heating and forms an adhesive seal between the cable and the tube.
Steering Column and Air Bag Sliding Contact
If the collision involved an air bag deployment, the steering column may have been loaded sufficiently to deform its mounting brackets or damage column wiring. An inspection should be made of the column structure and air bag sliding contact wiring to ensure that any damaged components are replaced. Refer to Section 11-04A.
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