Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1717

properly and no faults exist.

2. If a fault is detected in air bag system during initial system check, AIR BAG warning light will flash a

code sequence, indicating a fault in system. Count number of flashes after fault code has cycled twice.
Number of flashes represents a code number used to diagnose air bag system. See DIAGNOSTICS . If
AIR BAG warning light either fails to light or stays on continuously, go to DIAGNOSTIC
SYMPTOMS table.

3. If a system fault exists and AIR BAG warning light fails to light, an audible tone will be heard, indicating

AIR BAG warning light is out and service is required.

AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

These precautions should be observed when working with air bag system:

Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column components. Failure to do
so may result in accidental air bag deployment and personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM .

Wait one minute after disabling air bag system before working on vehicle. Back-up power supply holds a
deployment charge for approximately one minute after negative battery cable is disconnected. Servicing
air bag system before one minute may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.

Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service clockspring, restraints control
module or air bag modules. Repairs are made by replacement only.

Always wear safety glasses whenever servicing an air bag equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.

When carrying a live air bag module, ensure air bag module and trim cover are pointed away from your
body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of an accidental deployment.

When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag module and trim
cover facing up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.

After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which may irritate skin.
Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when
handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal
procedures. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES .

If scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed air bag module, air bag must be deployed. See DISPOSAL
PROCEDURES .

If a part is replaced and new part does not correct condition, reinstall original part and perform diagnostic
procedure again.

Never probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may cause air bag deployment and/or personal
injury.

Instruction to disconnect always refers to connector. DO NOT remove component from vehicle if
instructed to disconnect.

After any servicing, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any fault codes. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .

Replace air bag module if trim cover (deployment door) is marred or damaged. DO NOT repaint trim
cover. Paint may degrade cover material. Replace air bag module as necessary. See SCRAPPED
VEHICLE under DISPOSAL PROCEDURES.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

If vehicle is involved in collision in which center tunnel area is damaged, inspect RCM mounting bracket
for deformation. If damaged, RCM must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed. Additionally,
ensure RCM mounting area is restored to its original condition.

ADJUSTMENTS

CLOCKSPRING CENTERING

While holding clockspring outer housing stationary, turn rotor clockwise until slight resistance is felt (end of
travel). Turn clockspring rotor counterclockwise 3 turns. DO NOT allow clockspring to move from this
position.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

DISABLING SYSTEM

General Disabling Procedure

WARNING:

Operating vehicle with improperly centered clockspring may damage
clockspring, and in the event of collision, cause air bag deployment
malfunction. Personal injury may result. If clockspring rotor has moved or
if unsure of rotor position, perform clockspring centering procedure.

CAUTION: Over-rotating clockspring rotor can cause damage. Damage to clockspring

may result. Internal ribbon wire acts as a stop, and if over-rotated, can be
broken from its internal connection. When slight resistance is felt during
rotation, internal ribbon wire is at end of travel.

WARNING:

Unintentional air bag module deployment is possible. Personal injury may
result. Back-up power supply holds a deployment charge for
approximately one minute after negative battery cable is disconnected.
Wait one minute after disabling air bag system before working on vehicle.

NOTE:

When battery is disconnected, certain memory circuits will lose data. When
battery is reconnected, it may be necessary to perform appropriate computer
relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN .

WARNING:

Unintentional air bag module deployment is possible. Personal injury may
result. Never use radio key code (memory) savers when working on air
bag system.

NOTE:

There are 3 different disabling procedures. Please read and perform appropriate
procedure.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

This procedure should only be used when removing and installing air bag system components or when
necessary to deactivate the system to facilitate other maintenance.

1. Record pre-set radio frequencies for reprogramming, if equipped. Disconnect negative battery cable. Wait

at least one minute for back-up power supply to deplete stored energy.

2. Pull out on upper instrument panel steering column cover to release retaining clips and position cover out

of way. Remove central junction fuse box cover, located on lower left-side of instrument panel. Remove
parking brake release lever bolts and disconnect lever. Remove hood release lever bolts and disconnect
lever. Remove lower instrument panel steering column cover bolts and remove cover.

3. Disconnect lower clockspring electrical connector, located at base of steering column. Install Air Bag

Simulator (418-F088/105-R0012) to harness side of lower clockspring electrical connector (in place of air
bag). See AIR BAG SIMULATOR . Remove instrument panel relay cover, located on top right side of
instrument panel. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connector. Connect Air Bag Simulator (418-
F088/105-R0012) to passenger-side air bag vehicle harness connector (in place of air bag).

4. On regular cab models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, remove right side corner upper

trim panel. Remove right side door scuff plate and weatherstripping. Remove pin-type retainers and pull
out right side lower corner trim panel near door jamb. Separate seat belt and remove trim panel.
Disconnect seat belt pretensioner electrical connector. Connect Pretensioner Simulator (418-133/40-009)
on right pretensioner harness connector (in place of pretensioner). Repeat procedure for left pretensioner.

5. On SuperCab models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, remove right-side door scuff plate.

Remove right-side seat belt retractor pretensioner mounting bolt. Disconnect seat belt pretensioner
electrical connector. Connect Pretensioner Simulator (418-133/40-009) on right pretensioner harness
connector (in place of pretensioner). Position seat belt pretensioner back in place, install mounting bolt.
Tighten mounting bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Repeat procedure for left
pretensioner.

6. On SuperCab models equipped with seat belt buckle pretensioners, reach under right front seat and

disconnect right pretensioner electrical connector. Connect Pretensioner Simulator (418-133/40-009) on
right pretensioner harness connector (in place of pretensioner). Repeat procedure for left pretensioner.

7. On SuperCrew models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, remove right-side front and rear

door scuff plates. Release tab and open seat belt guide cover. Remove seat belt guide nut and guide.
Remove weatherstripping from right-side B-pillar. Remove B-pillar assist handle screws and handle. Pull
outward on B-pillar trim panel to release retaining clips and position trim panel away from B-pillar.
Disconnect right pretensioner electrical connector. Connect Pretensioner Simulator (418-133/40-009) on
right pretensioner harness connector (in place of pretensioner). Repeat procedure for left pretensioner.

8. On all models, connect negative battery cable. With simulators installed at all deployable devices,

perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . Disconnect negative battery
cable and wait at least one minute.

Diagnostics Disabling Procedure (Seats Removed)

This procedure should only be used when diagnosing/repairing any in-seat or seat mounted component of a seat
equipped with integrated seat belt pretensioners.

1. Record pre-set radio frequencies for reprogramming, if equipped. Disconnect negative battery cable. Wait

at least one minute for back-up power supply to deplete stored energy.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL &

INSTALLATION. Connect Air Bag Simulator (418-F088/105-R0012) to clockspring connector at top of
steering column (in place of air bag). See AIR BAG SIMULATOR .

3. Remove passenger-side air bag module. See PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Connect Air Bag Simulator (418-F088/105-R0012) to passenger-side
air bag vehicle harness connectors (in place of air bag). Remove front seats. See FRONT SEAT .

4. On regular cab models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, use Seat Bolt Bit (501-010) to

remove seat belt guide bolt. Remove right side corner upper trim panel. Remove right side door scuff
plate and weatherstripping. Remove pin-type retainers and pull out right side lower corner trim panel near
door jamb, separate seat belt and remove trim panel. Disconnect seat belt pretensioner electrical
connector. Connect Pretensioner Simulator (418-133/40-009) on right pretensioner harness connector (in
place of pretensioner). Repeat procedure for left pretensioner.

5. On SuperCab models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, remove right-side door scuff plate.

6. On SuperCab models equipped with seat belt buckle pretensioners, connect pretensioner simulator on

right and left pretensioner harness connector (in place of pretensioners).

7. On SuperCrew models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, remove right-side front and rear

door scuff plates. Release tab and open seat belt guide cover. Remove seat belt guide nut and guide.
Remove weatherstripping from right-side B-pillar. Remove B-pillar assist handle screws and handle. Pull
outward on B-pillar trim panel to release retaining clips and position trim panel away from B-pillar.
Disconnect right pretensioner electrical connector. Connect pretensioner simulator on right pretensioner
harness connector (in place of pretensioner). Repeat procedure for left pretensioner. On all models,
reconnect negative battery cable.

Diagnostics Disabling Procedure (Seats Installed)

This procedure should only be used when diagnosing/repairing a problem that is not related to a seat equipped
with integrated seat belt pretensioners.

1. Record pre-set radio frequencies for reprogramming, if equipped. Move and tilt front seats 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 driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL &

INSTALLATION. Connect Air Bag Simulator (418-F088/105-R0012) to clockspring connector at top of
steering column (in place of air bag). See AIR BAG SIMULATOR .

3. Remove passenger-side air bag module. See PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Connect Air Bag Simulators (418-F088/105-R0012) to passenger-side
air bag vehicle harness connector (in place of air bag).

4. On regular cab models equipped with seat belt retractor pretensioners, use Seat Bolt Bit (501-010) to

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

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