Airbag - Passenger

This procedure removes and replaces the passenger side airbag module in the dashboard, requiring proper electrical disconnection and calibrated torque specifications to ensure safe deployment functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Ford part matching VIN
• Dashboard trim clips (as needed) × 5 — W710642-S300

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key completely
3. Open driver's door and leave it open throughout procedure to prevent accidental lockout
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Disconnect positive battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
6. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge - set a timer
7. Remove lower dashboard trim panels below glove box to access mounting area
8. Photograph connector orientations and wire routing for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box and remove contents. Press inward on both side walls of glove box to release from stops and lower completely. Locate and remove the mounting screws at the hinge points (typically 4 screws). Disconnect glove box damper if equipped. Remove glove box assembly completely to access airbag module behind it.
2. 2

   Access passenger airbag module
   With glove box removed, you will see the back of the dashboard. The passenger airbag module is located in the upper dashboard above where the glove box was mounted. Identify the airbag module cover plate or access panel. Remove any trim pieces or cover panels blocking access to the airbag mounting bolts using trim tools.
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the yellow airbag connector on the back of the module. Note the connector locking mechanism (typically a slide lock or tab). Carefully unlock the connector using the proper release method - do NOT force. Pull connector apart using steady pressure on connector bodies, not wires. Cover connector ends with masking tape to prevent contamination.
   ⚠️Verify battery has been disconnected for at least 2 minutes before touching any electrical connectors.
4. 4

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   Locate the airbag module mounting bolts (typically 4 bolts) securing the module to the dashboard structure. These are Torx fasteners. Using a T-30 Torx driver, carefully remove all mounting bolts. Note bolt locations and any washers or spacers. Support the airbag module as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support the airbag module during bolt removal to prevent dropping, which could damage the sensitive deployment mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old airbag module
   Carefully extract the airbag module from the dashboard opening. Work it out slowly, ensuring no wires are caught or pinched. Once removed, immediately place the module FACE-UP on a clean, flat surface at least 20 feet away from the work area. Never place airbag face-down or on soft surfaces.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up. If deployed while face-down, it becomes a projectile.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and wiring
   Inspect the dashboard mounting points for cracks, damage, or stripped threads. Check the wire harness for any damage, chafing, or corrosion. Verify the mounting bolt holes are clean and free of debris. If any structural damage is found, the dashboard frame may need repair before proceeding.
7. 7

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging only when ready to install. Ground yourself by touching unpainted metal on the vehicle frame. Inspect new module for any shipping damage. Verify part number matches vehicle specifications. Remove connector protective covers from new module.
   ⚠Ground yourself before handling new airbag module to prevent static discharge damage.
8. 8

   Install new airbag module
   Carefully position the new airbag module into the dashboard opening, ensuring proper orientation (top marking should be visible). Align module with mounting holes in dashboard structure. Thread all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment before tightening any bolts.
9. 9

   Torque airbag mounting bolts
   Using a calibrated torque wrench with T-30 Torx bit, tighten all airbag module mounting bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in a cross-pattern sequence. This critical torque specification ensures proper airbag deployment. Verify each bolt reaches proper torque - do not over-tighten.
   ⚠️Proper torque is CRITICAL for safe airbag deployment. Under-torque can cause module separation; over-torque can crack mounting points and affect deployment angle.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Remove masking tape from connector ends. Inspect both connectors for any corrosion or damage. Align the yellow airbag connectors and push together firmly until you hear/feel a positive click. Verify the locking mechanism is fully engaged. Gently tug on connector to confirm it is locked.
    ⚠Ensure connector is fully locked - a partially connected airbag will not deploy and will trigger warning lights.
11. 11

    Reinstall dashboard trim and glove box
    Reinstall any trim panels or cover plates removed for access. Ensure no wires are pinched. Reconnect glove box damper if equipped. Position glove box assembly and install mounting screws at hinge points. Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly and latches properly.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and verify system
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine bay. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Observe instrument cluster - airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then extinguish. If light stays on or flashes, do not drive vehicle.
    ⚠️If airbag warning light remains illuminated or flashes after reconnection, DO NOT drive vehicle. System requires professional diagnosis.
    Torque spec

    Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all dashboard trim panels are fully seated and secured
2. Ensure glove box operates smoothly without binding or interference with new airbag module
3. Confirm no tools or parts have been left in dashboard or engine bay
4. Replace any broken trim clips identified during disassembly

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position - airbag warning light should illuminate briefly (approximately 6 seconds) then extinguish completely
• If equipped with information display, verify no airbag fault codes are present
• Operate glove box through full range of motion to ensure no interference with airbag module
• Professional scan tool verification recommended to confirm proper airbag system communication and readiness
• If airbag light remains on, flashes, or any fault codes are present, professional diagnosis is required before driving vehicle

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