I have a 2003 Ranger ECHO 3 L. automatic. I can turn off the passenger side air bag but I want to disable the driver side air bag. There isn't a fuse listed in the owners manual to do that. How do I disable it?

 

There isn't a separate fuse for the drivers side air bag, it's module is powered buy Fuse 26 in cab fuse panel, which powers instrument cluster and GEM module(all interior lights and wipers), also battery saver relay which allows power to flow to other electrics in the cab when key is on.

Fuse #2 also power restraint module, along with backup lights, daylight running module,and OD switch(transmission switch)


The airbag module is usually under the cup holder on the transmission hump, not sure what happens when its unplugged but that would disable drivers air bag as far as I know

 

that will kill the whole system. all that will happen is youll get a constant air bag light

 

I will look under the cup holder console. is there only one plug there for the airbags?

 

I will look under the cup holder console. Is there only one plug set there?

 

Have a look here: Airbag control module 2003 Ranger. Where is it? - Ford Ranger Forum

Looks like a few plugs

There will be the Impact sensors in the bumpers
The weight sensors in the seats
The seatbelt sensors
And the airbag wires
And of course power and ground and then the CAN Bus wires to connect to the computer, also the warning light wire

 

Thanks RonD, that helped. I looked at a factory manual for the 2003 Ranger and found how to get the plastic cover off. I also read how to remove the airbag from the steering wheel. Does anyone know if I just unplug the airbag there will everything work ok except for the airbag light staying on. I keep the passenger bag turned off so it's always on now.

 

Be sure to unhook the battery and let vehicle sit for 15minutes before starting any work on the airbag, they have capacitors inside that store a charge for a minute or two after power is cut so they can deploy without battery power

Airbag light will be on and may flash a code now and then, or flash all the time, not sure about that in 2003

Drivers side Airbag wire should be at the SRS module I would think, don't have a wiring diagram for that, and the airbag light will be activated by the SRS module, so if its unplugged no airbag and no airbag light