Ford 9L2Z-14B004-A
Front Impact Sensor

The first step to work on the C-pillar side impact sensor of Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles requires disabling the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Open the rear door scuff plate before you detach the bolt and safety belt anchor then apply 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque to the bolt when reinstalling it. The upper C-pillar trim panel requires detachment first before removing the quarter trim panel by pulling out at the C-pillar to gain access to the side impact sensor. The electrical connector needs disconnection but you must keep track of the sensor location and bracket tab position to properly assemble it. Clean and inspect both surfaces of the C-pillar before removing the bolts securing the sensor so you can tighten the bolts to 12 Nm (106 lb-in) when reinstalling. The wireless transmission of the restraint system depends on fastener tightness of 12 Nm (106 lb-in) for RCM and impact sensor to maintain system safety because improper operation during a crash can result in fatal injuries. Confirm that safety belt webbing remains untwisted before finishing the installation. The procedure ends with activating the power supply to the SRS system.

A side impact sensor needs servicing which is situated in the C-pillar of the Explorer Sport Trac. Therefore you need to disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) initially. You need to first pull out the rear door scuff plate before detaching the rear door weather strip. The two retaining clips holding the lower C-pillar trim panel to the rear door opening sheet metal need removal before setting the C-pillar trim panel to the side. The quarter trim panel at the C-pillar requires pull-out motion to release its three retaining clips after which you can access the side impact sensor. Take down the sensor position along with the location of the bracket tab for reinstallment while cleaning all mating contact points between the C-pillar and side impact sensor to maintain debris-free surfaces. First disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor before removing both bolts that maintain the side impact sensor and bracket assembly. Reinstall the bolts to 12 Nm torque and double-check that the RCM and impact sensor fasteners reach their specified torque requirement to avoid faulty restraint system working which may produce injuries or fatalities from crashes. Finally, repower the SRS.

Avoid using memory saver devices.

Always wear safety glasses to minimize the risk of injury from accidental air bag deployment.

Ensure the SRS is fully operational and free of faults, and repairs should be made by installing a new part.

They should be clean and free of debris.

Reinstall the original part and repeat the diagnostic procedure.

Ensure the vehicle's sensor orientation is correct for proper system operation.

First, depower the system, then disconnect the electrical connector and remove the two mounting bolts.

The air bag warning lamp will illuminate, which is normal and does not indicate a fault.

Remove the two bolts securing the side impact sensor and bracket assembly.

Avoid using memory saver devices.

Confirm that the battery negative cable remains disconnected.

Ensuring the vehicle sensor orientation is correct for proper system operation.

Ensuring the vehicle sensor orientation is correct.

Reverse the removal steps to install the new sensor.

Restore any damage to the original production configuration and install a new RCM and sensors regardless of air bag deployment status.

Ensure the vehicle sensor is correctly oriented for proper system operation.

Note the position of the sensor and bracket locating tab for reinstallation.

It should be tightened to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

The bolt should be tightened to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

Always wear safety glasses to minimize injury risk from accidental deployment and avoid using memory saver devices to reduce personal injury risk.

It is normal for the air bag warning lamp to illuminate when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON, and it does not indicate a fault in the supplemental restraint system.

Always wear safety glasses to mitigate injury risks from accidental air bag deployment.