The inertia switch in my 2005 Edge is tripping occasionaly. Auto part stores don't have the 05 and up replacements only the 04 and older. Will the older switch work on my 2005?

 

Well I answered my own question. Ordered a switch for an 04 and a replacement connector, the old one had started melting. The design is different but the mounting holes are the same. I suspect the original one had a poor electrical connection internally causing the connector to over heat from to much resistance. Anyway the replacement for an 04 was about $30 from the local parts store instead of $116 for the 05 replacement from the dealer.

 

just get rid of it, all of my passengers kept hitting mine so i cut it out

 

I realize this is a very old thread but for folks searching on the web to replace Ranger inertia switches, I just wanted to confirm that older switches from other Ford models will work and are much cheaper than the $100 "conversion kit" now sold as the Ford replacement for the 2005 switch. I just installed AutoZones inertia switch (I believe it is for Mustangs to 1995) and it works perfect. AZ Part number is SW4177 and costs (2013) $30. The bolt holes all line up and the wiring harness is a match. The only difference is the reset button sits lower behind the metal bracket on the front of the switch. So the button is not as visible as it is on the stock unit. I believe this same switch is available at Summit for about the same price but you pay shipping.

 

The local auto part stores didn't have a listing for the 2005 model so I took a chance on the 04 and it fit well. It's been in about a year now without a single problem, and was about $100 cheaper than the dealer replacement.

 

Also have problems with 2005 Ranger inertia switch. Looks like previous owner has replaced it once -- electrical tape on wiring. Too cold and windy to look any further today.
Just wondering, has anyone eliminated the inertia switch by going to a oil pressure cut off switch instead? (Low oil pressure = off) Or maybe wiring into the airbag system somehow? (Airbag deploy = off) Sounds a little safer than eliminating it entirely.
Although I basically sit on the gas tank of my Kawasaki, and used to sit in front of the tank on my MGB (with electric fuel pump that REALLY knew how to give you fits!) and my old '54 Chev. pickup. (converted to 12 V & fuel gauge burned out -- reach behind seat and feel tank to see how much fuel was left -- worked great in summer -- not so good in winter)
Thanks

 

I don't think an oil pressure switch would work. The switch would be off until you cranked it over enough with the starter to build oil pressure. To much added strain and added work on the starter.

 

You are likely correct for the oil pressure route. Any thoughts on the air bag idea? Thanks.
CW

 

IMO the inertia switch is not a bad design. I think we are just victims of bad parts. In my case both the switch and the connector were bad. Mine would trip rolling down the interstate. Unless your into some hard core off roading, I would just replace the switch and electrical connector if it looks bad.