OEM 2000 Ford Expedition Air Bag

2000 Ford Expedition Air Bag Parts Q&A

• Q: What safety precautions should be taken when servicing the side air bag on 2000 Ford Expedition?

  A: Safety glasses should always be worn while servicing the side air bag to minimize risks from accidental deployment. A deployed side air bag requires the replacement of the seat backrest frame using a brand new component because any repairs to the frame or side air bag mounting bracket will render the side air bag module unable to function properly thereby jeopardizing personal safety. Check the mounting bracket of the side air bag module for damages and replace the seat backrest frame if damage is present. Set a live side air bag module along with its air bag and tear seam pointed at a position that avoids your body and never place a live air bag module on the tear seam. Wash your hands with water and soap immediately after handling an air bag to eliminate sodium hydroxide residue that remained on the surface. You must never probe connectors located on air bag module since this action can cause deployment. A proper orientation of sensors in vehicles requires complete assessment of any post-accident damage to the sensor bracket along with its wiring pigtail; any detected issues should lead to component replacement. Disconnection of the battery ground cable combined with at least one minute of waiting period will drain the back up power supply while also ensuring you disconnect any auxiliary batteries. The replacement procedure for side air bags must include only new components but you should return the original part if new parts fail to fix the problem and then run the diagnostic process once more. The process begins with disconnecting the battery ground cable followed by seat removal and J-clips from the side of the seat back trim cover. Disconnect the lower J-clips and then raise the trim cover flap and remove the pin-type retainers on the side air bag wire harness. Place the side air bag module together with deployment chute beside the mounting bracket location after you detach its plastic shield with retaining nuts. To disconnect the side air bag module the technician should first release the electrical connector locking clip and later detach its connector tabs. Secure the side air bag module electrical connector after connecting it for proper installation. To insert the side air bag module into the deployment chute position the alignment point to the upper edge while setting the electrical connector below. You must review all mounting surfaces for foreign contents before installation and remove all present materials. Perform threshold test on both the deployment chute and air bag module after which replace any broken components. The deployment chute demands a correct placement that enables proper air bag deployment. Fasten the front seat back frame mounting bracket retaining nuts according to specifications while installing the side air bag module and deployment chute. Route the side air bag module wire harness through the installed position and secure it with pin-type retainers. Secure the side air bag module plastic shield before fastening the lower and side J-clips onto the seat back trim cover. Prior to placing the seat back in position you must reinstall the seat then attach the ground cable on the battery before performing the air bag system test. Be advised the diagnostic tool must not stay in the vehicle when driving as it serves only service procedures but can lead to safety citation and personal injury.