Air Bag Disposal Procedures
Several situations may arise which require some form of disposal action: scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag, scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag, disposal of a live but electrically inoperative air bag module or scrapping a deployed module. Disposal recommendations for these situations are shown in the chart and discussed in detail.
AIR BAG DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Condition Instructions
1. Vehicle to be Scrapped; Live Air Bags. Electrically Deploy Using Procedures 1 or 2 as Required.
2. Vehicle to be Scrapped; Deployed Air Bags. Scrap vehicle in the Usual Manner.
3. Module Replaced: Damaged but Live Air Bags. Package and Label Properly. Return to Ford.
4. Module Replaced; Deployed Air Bags. Scrap Air Bags in the Usual Manner.
Deployed Air Bags
To service a vehicle in which the air bags have deployed, the deployed air bags must be replaced with new air bags. The deployed air bags can be disposed of in the same manner as any part to be scrapped.
Undeployed Air Bag, Faulty
In the event that an air bag is diagnosed as faulty, the faulty air bag must be replaced by a new air bag. The faulty air bag CANNOT BE DISPOSED OF IN THE USUAL MANNER. It must be returned intact to Ford Motor Company for proper disposal. Return the carton to the following address for warranty claim credit:
Warranty Parts Return Center
1285 S. Mill Street
Plymouth, MI 48170
NOTE: All faulty live air bags have been placed on the Mandatory Return List. All discolored or damaged modules should be treated the same as any faulty live air bag being returned.
The air bag must be packaged and shipped according to the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Retain packaging used for replacement air bag, including the labeling. Do not deploy air bag. Properly package the module in the original service replacement carton and securely tape shut. Affix Flammable Solid label and shipping exemption to package.
Scrapped Vehicle
Some vehicles that are damaged or inoperable to the point that service cannot be made may contain undeployed air bags. This condition could occur by side or rear impact, rollover or if the vehicle is simply past its useful lifetime. THE AIR BAGS SHOULD BE DEPLOYED USING PROCEDURE 1 OR 2 AS FOLLOWS PRIOR TO SCRAPPING VEHICLE.
Air Bag Disposal Procedure 1
Electronic Deployment with Wiring Intact
This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag is to be scrapped. Scrapping a vehicle may be required due to severe damage in a non-air bag deployable accident or at the end of the vehicle's useful life. This procedure assumes that the air bag wiring remains intact; this is, no fault codes are indicated by the readiness indicator, the system proves out correctly and the vehicle's battery is still in place (or one has been provided). This procedure is to be performed outdoors, away from other personnel, since the deploying air bags make a loud report upon actuation.
1. Check and clear the front seat of all loose objects.
2. Do not permit any occupants to remain inside the vehicle.
3. Open the hood and check for an operational vehicle battery. If no battery is found, supply one and connect it in the usual manner.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position and observe the air bag readiness indicator. If the indicator illuminates for six seconds and then stops, the system is intact and may be deployed. Continue with Procedure 1. If a series of fault codes appear, go to Procedure 2 to deploy the unit.
5. Turn ignition to the OFF position.
6. Locate and disconnect the rear sensor connector.
7. Jump Circuits 611 (W-O) and 614 (GY-O) using a 152 mm (6-inch) length of bared wire.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THERE ARE NOT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE.
8. Locate and disconnect either the right or left front crash sensor located on the radiator support.
9. Using a 152 mm (6-inch) length of bared wire, short the 617 (PK-O) or 621 (W-Y) wire-to-ground. The air bags should deploy. If the air bags do not deploy, go to Procedure 2.
10. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the bag material will be visible in the center of the steering wheel and above the glove compartment (if equipped with passenger air bag). Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling.
The air bag(s) is now inoperative and the vehicle may be scrapped in the usual manner.
Procedure 2
Remote Deployment of Air Bags
This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with live air bags is to be scrapped, but the vehicle does not contain an intact wiring harness or certain system components are inoperative. This procedure can also be used if Step 7 of Procedure 1 was unsuccessful.
WARNING: REMOTE DEPLOYMENT IS TO BE PERFORMED OUTDOORS WITH ALL PERSONNEL AT LEAST 20 FEET AWAY TO ENSURE PERSONAL SAFETY AND DUE TO THE LOUD REPORT WHICH OCCURS WHEN DRIVER AIR BAGS ARE DEPLOYED.
1. Remove the driver (and passenger, if so equipped) air bag from the vehicle.
2. Cut the two module connector wires and strip 25 mm (1 inch) of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the air bag module wires.
3. Place the air bag with the trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in a remote area such as a parking lot or field.
WARNING: DO NOT PLACE THE AIR BAG WITH THE TRIM COVER FACING DOWN, AS THE FORCES OF THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG MAY CAUSE IT TO RICOCHET AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
4. Remaining at least 20 feet away from the air bag, deploy it by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12 volt vehicle battery.
5. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the air bag material will be visible. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling.
The air bag is now deployed and may be scrapped in the usual manner.