Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1719

DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.  

2. Remove air bag modules. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . With air bag modules removed, cut 

air bag connector from wiring harness near air bag module. Strip 1" of insulation from wire ends. Obtain 
2 wires, each at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each 20-foot wire to one end of each air bag 
module wire. See Fig. 3 & Fig. 4 . 

3. Place air bag module with trim cover facing upward on a flat surface, in remote area such as parking lot 

or field. Remain at least 20 feet away from air bag module. Deploy air bag by touching loose ends of both 
wires to 12-volt battery terminals.  

4. If successful, a loud noise will be heard and bag material will be visible. Allow at least 10 minutes for 

cooling and dissipation of air bag effluents before approaching air bag. Air bag is now inoperative. If air 
bag does not deploy, air bag module is faulty. Contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions on 
disposal procedures.  

WARNING:

Air bag module can ricochet and strike personnel if deployed. 
Personal injury may result. When placing a live air bag on a bench or 
other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up and away from 
surface. This will reduce motion of air bag module if it is accidentally 
deployed.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 3: Connecting Deployment Wires To Driver-side Air Bag Module 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 4: Connecting Deployment Wires To Passenger-side Air Bag Module
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Remote Deployment Of Seat Belt Pretensioners (Seats Installed) 

This procedure is to be used when a vehicle with a live left or right pretensioner is to be scrapped. 

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See 

DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.  

2. Remove pretensioners. See SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 

With pretensioners removed, cut pretensioner connector from wiring harness near pretensioner. Strip 1" 
of insulation from wire ends. Obtain 2 wires at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each 20-foot wire to 
one end of each pretensioner wire. See Fig. 5 . 

3. Place pretensioner on a flat surface in remote area (such as parking lot or field) in such a way that moving 

parts are not contacting surface. Remain at least 20 feet away from pretensioner. Deploy pretensioner by 
touching loose ends of both wires to 12-volt battery terminals.  

4. If successful, a loud noise will be heard. Allow at least 10 minutes for cooling before approaching 

pretensioner. Pretensioner is now inoperative. If pretensioner does not deploy, pretensioner is faulty. 
Contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions on disposal procedures.  

WARNING:

Pretensioners being deployed may cause objects to be projected away 
from pretensioner. Also, loud noise occurs during deployment. Personal 
injury and hearing damage may result. To ensure physical and hearing 
safety, perform remote deployment outdoors and keep all personnel at 
least 20' (6.09 m) away from deployment area. Wear safety goggles and 
hearing protection during deployment procedure.

WARNING:

Seat belt pretensioner can ricochet when deployed. Personal injury 
may result. When placing a live pretensioner on a bench or other 
surface, always position pretensioner so that moveable parts do not 
contact surface. This will reduce motion of pretensioner, if 
accidentally deployed.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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