97 Ranger Airbag Problem

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Cal - 26 Nov 2006 07:05 GMT

I have a '97 Ranger (2.3L / 2WD) and the airbag light comes on
intermittently. I recently replaced the turn signal/wiper switch module
because the left turn signal would only work intermittently, and I hoped
that I might just find a loose wire causing the air bag issue when I hade
the covers off, but everything looks good around the steering column. My
truck has only one airbag -- there is no airbag on the passenger side.

Does anyone have any idea what might cause the airbag light to come on
occasionally?

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David M - 26 Nov 2006 11:39 GMT

> I have a '97 Ranger (2.3L / 2WD) and the airbag light comes on
> intermittently. I recently replaced the turn signal/wiper switch module
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Does anyone have any idea what might cause the airbag light to come on
> occasionally?

The clockspring in the steering column is probably bad. Or a loose wire
elsewhere inside the column. Be *very* careful if you choose to take
the airbag unit apart yourself.... disconnect the battery for a while
(manual says 30 min. I believe) before you attempt to work around the
airbag.

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David M (dmacchiarolo)
http://home.triad.rr.com/redsled
T/S 53
sled351 Linux 2.4.18-14 has been up 4 days 20:57

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Cal - 27 Nov 2006 07:44 GMT

Thank you for your response David. Perhaps I should leave this one to a
professional to fix.

> > I have a '97 Ranger (2.3L / 2WD) and the airbag light comes on
> > intermittently. I recently replaced the turn signal/wiper switch module
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> (manual says 30 min. I believe) before you attempt to work around the
> airbag.

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nicholas.deselle@gmail.com - 27 Nov 2006 22:11 GMT

I have an 01 w/ the same problem. I took a meter to the fuses under
the hood and found an open. The problem has been back since and a fuse
has always been the culprit. I am not sure if this is your problem but
you may save yourself some cash. As far as what is blowing the fuses,
well that is anyone's guess . . .

Good Luck

> Thank you for your response David. Perhaps I should leave this one to a
> professional to fix.
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> > T/S 53
> > sled351 Linux 2.4.18-14 has been up 4 days 20:57

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Cal - 28 Nov 2006 03:24 GMT

Thanks for the input Nicholas. I doubt that it is the fuse in this case
however, because of the intermittent nature of the problem.

A friend of mine who works at a police garage said that he has changed out
the clock spring on Ford Crow Vic's before, and that so long as the battery
is disconnected for at least half an hour (David's advice also - see below)
it is not a difficult job. He told me that it is doubtful that it would be
any more difficult changing the clock spring in a Ford Ranger truck, so I
might give it a try next weekend.

Cal.

> I have an 01 w/ the same problem. I took a meter to the fuses under
> the hood and found an open. The problem has been back since and a fuse
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> > > T/S 53
> > > sled351 Linux 2.4.18-14 has been up 4 days 20:57

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