Airbag Question

[blown90]

I have a 90 Mustang. The airbag light is flashing 6 times, pauses and flashes 6 times etc. I read that the clock spring is the cause and replaced it. This did not correct the problem. Anyone know what else could be causing this?

 

[stang&2Birds]

You still get a code 6 correct?

It could be a few things (bad air bag, bad wiring, etc).

Let's try something simple.

1) DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND WAIT 60 SECONDS!

2) Remove the air bag. With this dry winter weather, make sure you touch the car's body first to discharge any static that you may have.

3) Optional: use a wire to short out the air bag connector in the steering wheel. It should have a shorting block already.

4) Connect battery.

5) Turn ignition to "on" (but don't start the car - no need)

6) See what the code is. You should now get a code: 5
5 Air Bag Circuit or Crash Sensor Circuit- Shorted to Ground


If you get a code 5, then the wiring and clockspring are good. If you don't get a code 5, then remove the clock spring, use a wire to short out the connector that goes into the steering colm, and see if you get a code 5.

A) If you now get a code 5, then the clock-spring is bad. You can use a ohm-meter to verify if the clockspring is good. Youtube should have some decent videos on how to use an ohm meter.

B) If you don't get a code 5, then you have a broken wire.

 

[blown90]

Thanks for the advice. The plug that goes into the steering colume has 3 pins on it...short out all 3?

 

[stang&2Birds]

Thanks for the advice. The plug that goes into the steering colume has 3 pins on it...short out all 3?

There should be only two wires going to that connector:
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/airBag/images/airBagSchem1990.jpg

If their are three wires going to the connector, can you take a picture of the connector?

 

[blown90]

The connector has 3 holes in it with 3 wires going to it...one wire on each end with a ground wire in the center.

 

[stang&2Birds]

The connector has 3 holes in it with 3 wires going to it...one wire on each end with a ground wire in the center.

First, disconnect the connectors and see if you get a code 5. As I said, there should be a shorting bar still in that connector.

If you still get a code 6, then you'll want to short the two regular wires together, and leave the ground wire alone. See if that produces a code 5.

Let me know how things go! If I don't respond in a few days, send me a PM informing me that you updated this thread. I don't always get a chance to check the forums.

Good Luck!