electrical

Airbag - Driver

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.3 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure replaces the driver's airbag module in a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, requiring battery disconnection, steering wheel retention, and proper restraint system deactivation.

Warnings

⚠️Airbag system is safety-critical. Improper installation can cause deployment failure, unintended deployment, or severe injury/death. If you are not confident in any step, seek professional service immediately.

⚠️Always wait a MINIMUM of 2 minutes after battery disconnection before touching any airbag components. The backup capacitor can cause accidental deployment and severe injury.

⚠️Never use impact tools, excessive force, or incorrect fasteners on airbag modules. Use only specified torque values.

⚠️Never point an airbag module toward your body or face. Always place removed airbag face-up on a clean surface away from the work area.

⚠After installation, the airbag warning light must be cleared using a scan tool or through the verification procedure. Continued warning light indicates system fault.

⚠Do not attempt this repair if airbag deployed due to collision. Vehicle requires professional collision repair assessment for structural and system integrity.

Tools required

Torx T-50 socket or bitEssential

Torque wrench (0-60 Nm range)Essential

10mm socketEssential

Trim panel removal tool set

Battery terminal wrenchEssential

Masking tape or alignment marker

Shop towels

Parts

Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface, turn ignition off, and remove key fob from vehicle interior
Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
Disconnect negative battery terminal first, then positive terminal
Wait a MINIMUM of 2 minutes for airbag system backup power to fully discharge before proceeding
Ensure new airbag module is correct part number for your specific F-150 trim and year

Procedure

1
Access steering wheel airbag module
From behind the steering wheel, locate two access holes on the left and right sides of the steering wheel back. These holes provide access to the airbag module retaining bolts.
2
Remove airbag module retaining bolts
Using a Torx T-50 bit through each access hole, remove the two airbag module bolts (one on each side). Turn counterclockwise to remove. Support the airbag module as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3
Separate airbag module from steering wheel
Carefully pull the airbag module straight back toward you to disengage it from the steering wheel. Move slowly and evenly. The module should separate with minimal force. DO NOT point the airbag face toward yourself during removal.
⚠️Keep airbag face pointed away from your body at all times.
4
Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
Locate the two electrical connectors on the back of the airbag module: the yellow airbag squib connector and the horn switch connector. Press the locking tabs and disconnect both connectors. The yellow connector has a secondary safety lock that must be lifted first before pressing the release tab.
5
Remove old airbag module
Once both connectors are disconnected, remove the airbag module from the vehicle. Place it face-up on a clean, flat surface in a secure location away from the work area. Never place anything on top of the airbag module.
⚠️Store removed airbag face-up on a clean surface. Never place face-down or stack items on it.
6
Inspect steering wheel mounting area
Inspect the steering wheel airbag mounting surface for damage, debris, or corrosion. Clean any dirt or debris with a shop towel. Verify that the clockspring connector and horn contact surfaces are clean and undamaged. If clockspring shows damage or has excessive play, it must be replaced before proceeding.
7
Prepare new airbag module
Remove new airbag module from packaging. Inspect it for any shipping damage. Verify part number matches the old module and your vehicle specifications. Keep airbag face pointed away from you during handling.
8
Connect electrical connectors to new module
Connect the yellow airbag squib connector first, ensuring the secondary safety lock clicks into place. Then connect the horn switch connector. Both should click audibly when properly seated. Gently tug on each connector to verify secure connection.
9
Position new airbag module on steering wheel
Carefully align the new airbag module with the steering wheel mounting points. Ensure all wiring is routed properly and not pinched. The module should sit flush against the steering wheel surface with bolt holes aligned.
10
Install airbag module retaining bolts
Install both Torx T-50 airbag module bolts through the access holes on each side of the steering wheel. Start both bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque both bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten or use an impact tool.
⚠️Must use torque wrench set to exact specification. Overtightening can damage airbag module or cause deployment issues.
Torque spec
Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect battery terminals
Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Torque battery terminal bolts to 8.0 Nm (6.0 lb-ft). Ensure terminals are clean and make solid contact.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Verify airbag module is firmly seated with no gaps between module and steering wheel
Ensure no wiring is pinched or visible around airbag module edges
Confirm all connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged

Verification

Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). The airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds, then turn off. This is normal system self-test.
If airbag warning light stays on, flashes, or does not illuminate at all, DO NOT drive the vehicle. System requires professional diagnostic scan for fault codes.
Start engine and verify airbag warning light remains off during normal operation.
Test horn function by pressing center of steering wheel. Horn should sound normally.
If warning light remains off and horn functions properly, system is operational. If any issues persist, seek immediate professional service.
Consider having the airbag system professionally scanned to verify no stored fault codes remain after repair.

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