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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Restraints Control Module (RCM)
Removal
WARNING: The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for proper system
operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) has been
involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting
and bracket for deformation. If damaged, the RCM must be replaced whether or not the air bags
have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original
condition.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only.
Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible
violation of vehicle safety standards.
CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to
these charges, damage can result.
NOTE: 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. Prepare the vehicle for restraints control module (RCM) removal. 1. WARNING: 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.
Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the
front air bag sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B- pillar. To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable SECTION 501-
20B: Supplemental Restraint System 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Diagnostic Tool, Restraint
System (2 Req'd)
418-
F088 (105- R0012) Klj . 1 ba
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and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power
supplies (if equipped).
Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. For additional
information, refer to
Section 414 - 01 .
2. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all
warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system
(SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Deactivation and Reactivation in the General
Procedures portion of this section.
2. Remove the right hand restraints control module (RCM) bracket retaining bolt. 1. Position the carpet back at the right hand side of the instrument panel (I/P) center support bracket.
2. Remove the RCM bracket retaining bolt.
3. Remove the RCM with bracket. 1. Position the carpet back at the left hand side of the I/P center support bracket.
2. Disengage the RCM electrical connector locking clip.
3. Disconnect the RCM electrical connector.
4. Remove the two retaining bolts.
5. Remove the RCM with bracket.
Installation WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings,
cautions and notes at the beginning of the removal procedure.
1. WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag restraints control module (RCM) retaining bolts is critical for correct system operation. Klj . 2 ba
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Connect the RCM.
1. Position the RCM.
2. Install the bolts.
3. Connect the RCM electrical connector.
4. Slide and engage the RCM electrical connector locking clip.
5. Reposition the carpet.
2. Install the RCM. 1. Install the bolt.
2. Reposition the carpet.
3. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
4. With the restraint system diagnostic tools installed at all deployable devices, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the Diagnosis and Testing portion of this section.
5. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
6. Restore the vehicle to operating condition. 1. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all
warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system
(SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
Reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Deactivation and Reactivation in the General
Procedures portion of this section.
2. WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system
service only. Remove from the vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could
result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
With all the restraint system diagnostic tools removed, prove out the supplemental
restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Air Bag Supplemental Klj . 3 ba
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Restraint System (SRS) in the Diagnosis and Testing portion of this section. Klj . 4 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Driver Air Bag Module
Removal
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air
bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced,
not repainted.
WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only.
Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible
violation of vehicle safety standards.
NOTE: 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. Prepare the vehicle for driver air bag module removal. 1. WARNING: 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.
SECTION 501-
20B: Supplemental Restraint System 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Diagnostic Tool, Restraint
System (2 Req'd)
418-
F088 (105- R0012) Klj . 1 ba
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Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the
front air bag sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-
pillar.
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).
Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. For additional
information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
2. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all
warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system
(SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Deactivation and Reactivation in the General
Procedures portion of this section.
2. Remove the two steering wheel plugs.
3. Remove the two driver air bag module retaining bolts (one shown).
4. Remove the driver air bag module. 1. Disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
2. Remove the driver air bag module. Klj . 2 ba
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5. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the vehicle harness side of the clockspring
electrical connector at the base of the steering column.
6. Connect the clockspring electrical connector at the base of the steering column.
7. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the clockspring electrical connector at the top of the steering column.
8. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 . Klj . 3 ba
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