SITUATION: I have a 07 Ranger that slid on the side of the road because a snow storm here in Ohio. Being that it’s a RWD didn’t help at all even with 400-450lbs in the bed. But it ended up hitting a barrier just hard enough to deploy the airbag on the steering wheel. I have a replacement airbag already. I know I will have to replace the control module for the airbag system or get it reset.

QUESTION: If I replace the airbag before the control module, is there anything I need to worry about?

I’m no mechanic so I’m clueless but for some reason I keep thinking that if I replace the airbag before the control module, the airbag might deploy or cause a defect because the module hasn’t been reset or replaced. That’s what I’m worried about but again, I’m not a mechanic and have never dealt with something like. Any advice is appreciated! School me up please.

 

Welcome to the forum

No nothing to worry about but........................

SRS(airbag module) is self resetting with key off and on IF.............all the issues are fixed
So maybe a contact sensor was damaged?
"Crash sensors" are usually "use once only" and have to be replaced

Or you need to Clear the Airbag codes, they should self clear but not all do, Auto Parts stores will often have OBD2 readers that can see/read all the codes, and clear all the codes
Get any codes and WRITE THEM DOWN first before clearing
It could tell you of another fault in the SRS system

Airbag light can also flash a 2 digit code with key on
Codes 12 to 14
Code 12: This code is the warning about the low battery voltage.
Code 13: During events of the airbag short circuit, this code appears.
Code 14: This means the short circuit of the primary crash sensor.

Code 21: There is some problem with the diagnostic monitor mounting, and it requires your attention.
Code 22: Indicates a problem with the center output circuit. The issue is probably a shorting with the battery voltage.
Code 23: This code appears if the memory clear-circuit is not grounded correctly.
Code 24: It means a failed system disarm or some faulty in the internal diagnostic monitor.

Codes ranging from 32 to 35 indicate an issue with the driver and passenger-side airbags.
Code 32: It means the driver side airbag circuit is open or high resistance.
Code 33: The passenger-side airbag circuit with high resistance or open displays this code.
Code 34: This shows up when the driver side airbag has low resistance or short circuit.
Code 35: This code means there is a short circuit on the passenger side airbag.

Codes 41 to 45 will show up for the problems with the primary crash sensor of the RH and LF.
Code 41: If the primary crash sensor feed/return circuit of the right radiator is open, this code appears.
Code 42: This code means the primary crash sensor feed/return circuit of the left radiator is open.
Code 44: This means the improperly mounted right radiator crash sensor.
Code 45: For incorrectly mounted left radiator crash sensor, this code appears.

Codes 51 to 53 indicate the issues with airbag diagnostics.
Code 51: For a blown internal fuse of the airbag diagnostic monitor, this code will show up.
Code 52: If you get this code, there is a voltage boost fault in the back-up power supply.
Code 53: Ford car will flash this code if the front crash sensor has high resistance within the circuit or there is a failed diagnostic monitor.

 

Thanks Ron! You’re the man!!! That’s helped out a lot. I should be able to go from here and get everything taken care of. I appreciate the help and Happy New Year by the way!