OEM Ford Thunderbird Air Bag Sensor

Ford Thunderbird Air Bag Sensor Parts and Q&A

• Side Impact Sensor
  6W6Z-14B345-AA
  Q: How Should the Side Impact Air Bag Sensor Be Serviced to Ensure Safety and Proper Function on Ford Thunderbird?

  A:

  Safety glasses must be worn during side impact sensor servicing because they prevent accidental air bag injuries. The proper operation of vehicle sensors depends on correct orientation so check both the mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for any deformities after impacts while replacing any supplemental restraint system components which show damage even if air bags did not deploy. Service technicians require the restraint system diagnostic tool for their work but must uninstall it when the vehicle operates on the road because failure to do so creates safety hazards and leads to violations of standards. It is prohibited to utilize memory saver devices for operation. Before starting the vehicle the air bag warning lamp will illuminate following the removal of the RCM fuse in the IGN 1 position although this does not indicate any SRS fault. All recipients ought to obtain a fully functional SRS compatible with no faults before giving the customer their vehicle back. The repair protocol demands new part installations which should be followed by reinstallation of the original part then repeating the diagnostic steps in case the issue persists. The process starts with removing the seat from the side containing the faulty sensor along with system depowering procedures. Remove the safety belt anchor by uninstalling its bolt and anchor before you take away the scuff plate while setting the carpet in its new position. Underneath the carpet on the inboard rear compartment of the rocker panel sits the side impact sensor which needs its electrical connection removed and two bolts detached to remove the sensor. Install the new side impact sensor and its attaching bolts using a torque of 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Attach the electrical connector afterward you should move the carpet into position followed by the scuff plate reinstallation. Position the safety belt anchor by installing its grommet onto the bolt while keeping the belt untwisted before securing the bolt at a torque of 40 Nm (30 lb-ft). The repair process ends with seating the front seat on the affected B-pillar side impact sensor side and system reactivation followed by active restraint system operation testing.