Replaced air bags...what next?
 

Bought my 2000 ranger from a neighbor and it had deployed airbags. He says it was from when his kid forgot to set the parking break and it rolled 10' into a pole. The front bumper is slightly bent and there is no other indication the story is untrue.

So I bought drivers and passenger ones from junkyards on eBay and installed them. At first I was only concerned with not driving around with holes where they used to be but I figured now might as well get them into a condition that they could serve a purpose if needed.

I have heard people mention sensors, but I am not sure where and what else to fix/replace. The airbag light is on of course. Tomorrow I will count flashes when I start it up if that is helpful.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The restraints control module (air bag module) is the sensor itself. It is located behind your cupholders/gear shifter.

This module sets a HARD error when a crash is detected and stores the crash data.

About the only way to get the system working again is to ship the unit off to a company that resets these modules. That or get one from junkyard that doesn't have deployed airbags.

Also, you may want to consider replacing the clock spring. Especially if you want to upgrade to cruise control as part of your interest to adding power windows/locks.

Is getting the module reprogrammed at the dealer an option?

Maybe but it's cheaper to go a 3rd party route. I've seen them as low as $50 bucks.

So would this be a good place to start?

http://www.myairbags.com