Ford probably started using a different passenger side airbag that didn't require the vent when they started putting the weight sensor in the pass side seat cushion in 08.

I have never heard of an airbag needing a vent. Ever.

Sounds more to me like the explorer eatc sensor is a better explanation. Explorers user to have the same dash as us

2001 Expo dash
http://images.thecarconnection.com/m...00000324_m.jpg

and i think this is out of a mid to late 90s expo
http://www.icus.com/images/explorer-inside.jpg

for the love of gawd those two pics make it clear that we need a brand new from the ground up compact pickup. non of this leftover parts bullsh*t.

no. the only reason it is there is for the temp sensor in the explorer eatc. only reason. period. my 95 has that vent, but i don't even have an airbag on the passenger side.