Recently, at nearly 30k miles my airbag light started blinking...and sometimes it stays on. Whats the deal?? Is this one of those things where you take it it to get that fixed and the "find" other things "wrong?"

Wondering.....

 

When you first key it on, watch the airbag light and it will flash a code a few times before going solid. Something like 2-7-2-7-2-7 or 4-6-4-6-4-6, for example. Post the code and we can tell you what it means.

 

I didn't even realize it was a pattern!

It is 4 then 6 flashes. It repetes 5 times total.

 

That is the code for incorrect resistance on the seatbelt pretensioner circuit (code 46 driver side, code 47 passenger side). It is a common problem and is usually caused by a poor connection under the seat. Turn off the ignition, open the connector, clean the pins and reassemble. Applying dielectric grease to the pins should make the repair last longer. In rare cases, the connector might need to be replaced.

This may not apply but your Restraints Warranty lasts for 5/50,000 and this repair would be covered if you were within those limits.

 

i think mine is flashing 54 right now...what is that?

 

The service manual doesn't show a 5-4 or a 4-5. I think you need to recheck it. 4-6 and 4-7 are the most common codes and they are explained in the post above.

 

I need to get my airbag switch for my code ....

Bob saves the day again...

Rocky

 

The PAD switch assembly is rather pricy. Usually, it is just the bulb that dies in the switch (code 27). You might consider this cheap fix:

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...39&postcount=1

That's definitely what I will try if my bulb burns out.

 

Yea i checked into that, would you suggest getting a light or just a resistor?

Rocky

 

Personally, I would just install the already proven RS bulb from that link. I don't know what resistor value to use and, besides, I like everything to work .... especially safety related stuff.

 

10-4

 

Yup...that was it. Unplugged it, replugged it...no code.

Thanks a lot!

 

okay, its a 25 or a 52, by searching online, code 25 means a bad "pad" switch. i dont have my passenger deactivate module pluged in, but it doesnt normally give an error.

thanks

 

The unplugged PAD switch is your problem. The diagnostics is looking for an inferred resistance range from the PAD switch and it is seeing an open circuit instead. I don't know why you don't have a code all the time.

 

These seat belt pretensioner connections are soooo touchy...

I stopped by the drive thru teller today and accidentally dropped the check between the bucket and the center console. I couldn't retrieve it from above and I couldn't open my door, so I slid the seat adjustment way forward, reached behind and under the seat and finally got it.

After I restarted the engine and drove away, the airbag light started flashing a 4-6 pattern and I knew immediately what had happened. When I reached under the seat, I had bumped the connector for the pretensioner. Unplugging the connector and plugging it back in got rid of the light.

The same thing happened when my truck was in for warranty work on the center arm rest. The tech moved the passenger side bucket forward, disturbing the passenger side connection and I had a code 4-7. The connector was still fully seated and looked OK. Unplugging it and reconnecting fixed it then, too.

The pins in that connector need to be tighter or a more corrosion resistant material or something. This is so common on 2001~2003 Rangers and on some other Ford vehicles with pretensioners, too. A mild bump or even flexing of the harness can easily send the circuit resistance out of spec. Hopefully, the newer Fords have an improved connection.

Some time soon, I am going to disassemble those connectors and see if I can improve the pin tension.

 

wow thanks Bob, just got rid of my 4-6 code. i was comming and going all by itself for some time now.. unplugged, cleaned, slapped electrical grease and its now gone .. well for now at least

 

my 04 ranger airbag flashes the code 27. It started a couple of day ago, but befor that I had no problems. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

This is usually caused by a burned out bulb in the PAD switch. Ford wants you to buy a $200 switch assembly but it can be fixed for a couple of bucks if you can solder.

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...nt-185720.html

 

what and where is the PAD switch if I may ask. Also is it safe to drive the truck, with out the bag going off.

 

Key-operated Passenger Airbag Disable switch below the HVAC control panel. This is just a monitor for the bulb circuit so I doubt that it could activate anything but the airbag light. However, IMO, anything wrong with the restraints system should be corrected ASAP.

 

Hi guys..

Just replaced the AirBag after a minor front end incident,,,, now the A/B light flashes the code :
1flash , pause then, 9 flashes
This repeats itself again and again.... do you know what that code indicates ??

Best regards........// Ernie in NH

 

For many model years, code 1-9 means that the Restraints Control Module memory is full. This is normal after an airbag deployment. You will probably need to get a new or junkyard RCM from the same year or compatible year.

 

Good morning all...

HEY !! Just want to thank everyone who helped me out with the "AirBag" module problems. Got a "new" module from a salvage Ranger, did the discharge as you instructed, and... viola ! ALL is good again.... many many thanks !

Very best regards.....// Ernie in NH

 

I have a 2002 Ranger and the drivers airbag was deployed. I replaced the airbag with one from a junkyard and sent off the airbag control module to have it reset. Now that everything is back together I am getting a code 18. Anybody know what that is?