Mountaineer 4WD V6-4.0L VIN E (1999)
Air Bag Sliding Contact: Service and Repair
WARNING:
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Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag
module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
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Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event
of an accidental deployment.
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Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental
deployment.
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After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is
irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
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Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
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Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
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Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system
(SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the
sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
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To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing
any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking
components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
REMOVAL
NOTE:
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The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
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To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary
batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
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Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic
procedure again.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
2. Remove the driver air bag module.
3. Remove the steering wheel.
NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
4. Apply two strips of masking tape across the air bag sliding contact to prevent accidental rotation when the air bag sliding contact is removed.
5. Remove the lower steering column opening finish panel.
1
Remove the retaining screws and position the hood release handle out of the way.
2
Remove the two retaining screws from the lower steering column opening finish panel.
3
Pull out to release the retaining clips and remove the lower steering column opening finish panel.
