Air Bags

[Kent Eaton]

Hi guys and gals, just picked up a 95 v6, auto. Had been in an accident a long time ago, the air bags were never replaced, I have two questions:

1) I can get used air bags off ebay for a decent price. Do I also need the control module that goes with it? (mounted behind the console under the radio I understand).
2) the crash sensors appear to be intact (small square boxes on either side of the Mustang emblem in the grill). Do these need to be replaced as well? As in, if the bags deployed from an accident, are they one use devices (kinda like torque to yield bolts)?

Replacing the bags seems like a pretty straight forward process, I have read that getting to the control module is a bit if a PIA. Just wondering if I need to go ahead and replace everything (sensors and control module) that has to do with the air bags while I'm going this.

Here is a pic of the car:
View attachment 153620

 

[Bullitt347]

Typically the module and crash sensors are considered "one and done". The module stores information about the air bag deployment and once it does it is "full" ( the crash) it cannot/will not communicate anymore, in other words the SRS light will stay on. Also the seat belt pre -tensioners are also a "one and done" item.

 

[Kent Eaton]

Follow up. Replaced the crash sensors, air bag control module and both air bags. The light started flashing a code 12. Research showed this to be a code that the control module was getting low/no voltage. Found the air bag control module fuse was blown, so I replaced it. The started getting a code 52 which means the module has been without power (well duh). This code (or any code above 45) can only be reset by resetting or clearing the air bag controller. Found out this is done by finding a connector under the dash and shorting the pins out (google is so helpful). This cleared the codes. Noe the air bag light comes on for 5-6 seconds upon startup and then goes out, so I can safely assume the system is repaired and functioning normally. The total cost for this repair:

Passenger air bag (from a pull-a-part) - $15.00
Air bag computer (from a pull-a-part) - $6.00
Drivers side crash sensor (from a pull-a-part) - $5.00
Passenger side crash sensor (from ebay) - $15.00
Drivers side air bag (ebay) - $40.00
Grand total for parts: $81.00

Researching and doing all this myself without prior knowledge - PRICELESS!!

Also, you can reset the airbag control module after airbag deployment.

Now if I could just get this rough idle/hesitation figured out. Cleaning the MAF and TPS/IAC/TB made it a little better. Not getting a code P0175 anymore, but the idle is still rough...almost like it is missing. The search continues.....

 

[wmburns]

Also, you can reset the airbag control module after airbag deployment.

I wish more ppl would take the time to post the follow-up regarding their posts. There is nothing like positive confirmation of what the final fix.

Great work!

OBTW, the comment about reseting the air bag module depends upon the model year. For example for a 99+ model year, the module must be replaced. There are also other differences such as no externally mounted crash sensors.

 

[Kent Eaton]

yes, sorry, I should have clarified, I could reset the air bag module on my 95 and I think that applied to 94-98. Not sure.