SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1997EXPLORER 4D UTILITY, 4.0 E, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)RESTRAINTSRESTRAINTS CONTROL SYSTEMSSUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLESFORD MOTOR CO. (1988-04)
1997 Ford Explorer 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD

Ford Motor Co. (1988-04)

1997 Ford Explorer 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WDSECTION Ford Motor Co. (1988-04)
WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result. Avoid area near steering wheel and instrument panel even if air bags have deployed. Dual-stage air bag modules may be present that could contain an undeployed stage. When disposing of a deployed dual-stage air bag, always treat it as a "live" module. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
APPLICATION

Make/Model Year Location Table
Aerostar 1992-97 DS Ford-2 
Aspire 1994-97 D-P Ford-2 
Aviator 2003-04 D-P, HI Ford-10 
Blackwood 2002-03 D-P, SI Ford-10 
Bronco 1994-96 DS Ford-2 
Capri 1994 D-P Ford-2 
  1991-93 DS Ford-2 
Continental 2002 D-P, SI Ford-10 
  1999-01 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1998 D-P Ford-6 
  1995-97 D-P Ford-1 
  1989-94 D-P Ford-2 
Contour 1999-00 D-P Ford-6 
  1998 D-P Ford-5 
  1995-97 D-P Ford-2 
Cougar 1999-02 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1994-97 D-P Ford-2 
Crown Victoria 2003-04 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
  2002 D-P2 Ford-10 
  1999-01 D-P Ford-6 
  1995-98 D-P Ford-1 
  1992-94 D-P Ford-2 
  1990-91 DS Ford-2 
Econoline-Club Wagon 1997-04 D-P Ford-5 
  1992-96 DS Ford-2 
Escape 2002-04 D-P, SI Ford-10 
  2001 D-P, SI Ford-7 
Escort 2002-03 D-P Ford-10 
  1998-01 D-P Ford-6 
  1997 D-P Ford-5 
  1995-96 D-P Ford-2 
  1994 DS Ford-2 
Escort Coupe 2002-03 D-P Ford-10 
  1998-01 D-P Ford-6 
Excursion 2000-04 D-P Ford-6 
Expedition 2003-04 D-P, HI Ford-10 
  2000-02 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1999 D-P Ford-6 
  1997-98 D-P Ford-5 
Explorer 2002-04 D-P, HI Ford-10 
  1999-01 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1997-98 D-P Ford-5 
  1995-96 D-P Ford-2 
Explorer Sport 2003 D-P Ford-10 
  2001-02 D-P, SI Ford-10 
Explorer Sport Trac 2003-04 D-P, HI Ford-10 
  2001-02 D-P Ford-10 
F Series Pickup 1994-96 DS Ford-2 
F150 Heritage 2004 D-P Ford-10 
F150 Pickup 2004 D-P2 Ford-10 
F150 Pickup 2002-03 D-P Ford-10 
F150-F250 Pickup 1999-01 D-P Ford-6 
  1997-98 D-P Ford-5 
F250-550 Pickup 2002-04 D-P Ford-6 
F150-550 Pickup 2000-01 D-P Ford-6 
Focus 2002-04 D-P2, SI Ford-9 
  2000-01 D-P, SI Ford-6 
Freestar 2004 D-P2, HI, SI Ford-10 
Grand Marquis 2003-04 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
  2002 D-P2 Ford-10 
  2001 D-P2 Ford-6 
  1999-00 D-P Ford-6 
  1995-98 D-P Ford-1 
  1992-94 D-P Ford-2 
  1990-91 DS Ford-2 
LS 2003-04 D-P, HI, SI Ford-10 
  2002 D-P, SI Ford-10 
  2000-01 D-P, SI Ford-10 
Marauder 2003-04 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
Mark VII 1990-92 DS Ford-2 
Mark VIII 1997-98 D-P Ford-5 
  1993-96 D-P Ford-2 
Monterey 2004 D-P2, HI, SI Ford-10 
Mountaineer 2002-04 D-P, HI Ford-10 
  1999-01 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1997-98 D-P Ford-5 
D-P

Driver's & Passenger's Side

D-P2

Driver's & Passenger's Side (Dual-Stage)

DS

Driver's Side

HI

Head Impact

KI

Knee Impact

SI

Side Impact

PS2

Passenger's Side (Dual-Stage)

APPLICATION

Make/Model Year Location Table
Mustang 1999-04 D-P Ford-10 
  1995-98 D-P Ford-1 
  1994 D-P Ford-2 
  1990-93 DS Ford-2 
Mystique 1999-00 D-P Ford-6 
  1998 D-P Ford-5 
  1995-97 D-P Ford-2 
Navigator 2003-04 D-P, HI Ford-10 
  2000-02 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1999 D-P Ford-6 
  1998 D-P Ford-5 
Probe 1994-97 D-P Ford-2 
  1993 DS Ford-2 
  1995-96 DS Ford-2 
Ranger 2002-04 D-P Ford-10 
  1999-01 D-P Ford-6 
  1995-98 D-P Ford-2 
Sable 2002-04 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
  2000-01 D-P2, SI Ford-7 
  1998-99 D-P Ford-6 
  1996-97 D-P Ford-1 
  1993-95 D-P Ford-2 
  1990-92 DS Ford-2 
       
       
       
       
Taurus 2002-04 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
  2000-01 D-P2, SI Ford-7 
  1998-99 D-P Ford-6 
  1996-97 D-P Ford-1 
  1993-95 D-P Ford-2 
  1990-92 DS Ford-2 
Tempo 1988-94 DS Ford-2 
Thunderbird 2002-04 D-P, SI Ford-10 
  1994-97 D-P Ford-2 
Topaz 1988-94 DS Ford-2 
Town Car 2002-04 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
  2001 D-P2, SI Ford-7 
  1999-00 D-P, SI Ford-7 
  1998 D-P Ford-6 
  1995-97 D-P Ford-1 
  1990-94 D-P Ford-2
Tracer 1998-99 D-P Ford-6 
  1997 D-P Ford-5 
  1995-96 D-P Ford-2 
  1994 DS Ford-2 
Villager 1996-02 D-P Ford-3 
  1994-96 DS Ford-2 
Windstar 2002-03 D-P2, SI Ford-10 
  2001 D-P2, SI Ford-7 
  1999-00 D-P, SI Ford-8 
  1996-98 D-P Ford-4 
  1995 D-P Ford-2 
D-P

Driver's & Passenger's Side

D-P2

Driver's & Passenger's Side (Dual-Stage)

DS

Driver's Side

HI

Head Impact

KI

Knee Impact

SI

Side Impact

PS2

Passenger's Side (Dual-Stage)

Ford-1

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Steering column intermediate shaft coupling(1); Air bag diagnostic monitor (electronic crash sensor); Clockspring; Front crash sensors & brackets; Seat belt & mounting points; Steering column; Steering wheel; Wiring harness & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with damaged or marred deployment covers MUST BE COMPLETELY REPLACED-NOT REPAINTED.;
(1) If vehicle has been involved in a collision severe enough to deploy the driver-side air bag module, the steering column intermediate shaft coupling should be replaced before driving the vehicle again; 1996-97 Sable and Taurus only.
Ford-2

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module(1); Clockspring(1); Seat Belts(1)>,> (2); All sensors; Clockspring; Seat belts & mounting points; Steering column; Steering wheel; Wiring harness & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with damaged or marred deployment covers MUST BE COMPLETELY REPLACED-NOT REPAINTED.; 1988-92 models: Due to a change in sensor supplier, replacement of a damaged sensor may require the replacement of all sensors in a kit form.;
(1) 1995-98 Ranger only
(2) All seat belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt height adjusters, child safety seat tether bracket assemblies, and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends NEW seat belt assemblies be installed, unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected, and NEW assemblies installed if either damaged or incorrect operation is noted.
Ford-3

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Air bag diagnostic monitor; Deployed seat belt pretensioners (if equipped); Clockspring; Instrument panel; Seat belts & mounting points; Seat belt pretensioner (if equipped); Steering column; Steering wheel; Wiring harness & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with damaged or marred deployment covers MUST BE COMPLETELY REPLACED-NOT REPAINTED.;
Ford-4

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Air bag diagnostic monitor; Center air bag sensor bracket; Clockspring; Left front air bag sensor & bracket; Seat belts & mounting points; Steering column; Steering wheel; Wiring harness & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with damaged or marred deployment covers MUST BE COMPLETELY REPLACED-NOT REPAINTED.;
Ford-5

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployedair bag modules; Deployed seat belt pretensioners (if equipped); Electronic crash sensor module(1); Impact sensors(2); All sensors, mounting brackets & wiring pigtail(3); Clockspring; Seat belts & mounting points; Seat belt pretensioner (if equipped); Steering column & brackets; Steering wheel; Steering column wiring & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers, or deployment doors must be replaced not repaired.; Repairs are made by replacement of parts only.;
(1) May also be known as Restraints Control Module.
(2) Econoline-Club Wagon only.
(3) If vehicle is involved in a collision in which sensor mounting area is damaged, inspect sensor mounting and bracket. If damaged, sensor must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed.
Ford-6

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Clockspring(1); Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module(2); Steering column intermediate shaft coupling(3); Instrument panel(4); Driver & passenger-side air bag wiring harness, with air bag module connectors(4); Deployedseat belt pretensioners (if equipped); Seat Belts(6); All sensors, mounting brackets & wiring pigtail(5); Clockspring; Seat belts & mounting points(6); Steering column & brackets; Steering wheel; Steering column wiring & connectors; Front seat back pad, trim cover & seat back frame(4); SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers, or deployment doors must be replaced not repaired.; Repairs are made by replacement of parts only.; Ensure electronic crash sensor module mounting area is restored to original condition.;
(1) 1999-01 Ranger only.
(2) May also be known as Restraints Control Module.
(3) 1998-99 Taurus & Sable only.
(4) Focus only.
(5) If vehicle is involved in a collision in which Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module mounting area (center tunnel or A-pillar) is damaged, inspect ECS mounting and bracket. If damaged, ECS must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed.
(6) All seat belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt height adjusters, child safety seat tether bracket assemblies, and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends NEW seat belt assemblies be installed, unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected, and NEW assemblies installed if either damaged or incorrect operation is noted.
Ford-7

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Restraints Control Module (RCM)(1); Deployed seat belt pretensioners (if equipped); Front seat backrest pad & trim cover(2)>> >,> (3); Steering wheel(4); Seat belts(5); All sensors, mounting brackets, chassis mounting areas & wiring pigtails(6); Front seat air bag modules, seat back pad & covers, seat back frames; Clockspring; Seat belts & mounting points(5); Steering column & brackets; Steering wheel; Steering column wiring & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers, or deployment doors must be replaced not repaired.; Repairs are made by replacement of parts only.; Ensure all module-mounting areas are restored to original condition.;
(1) May also be known as Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module on Cougar.
(2) If equipped with side air bags and side air bag has deployed.
(3) On Expedition and Navigator, replace seat back frame.
(4) If equipped with soft pack air bag module and air bag has deployed, steering wheel and air bag module (soft pack) must be replaced as an assembly.
(5) Replace all seat belts in use at time of air bag deployment.
(6) If vehicle is involved in a collision in which Restraints Control Module (RCM), front severity sensor or side air bag crash sensor mounting area (center tunnel, front grille area or base of B-pillar) is damaged, inspect mounting surface and bracket. If damaged, sensor must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed.
Ford-8

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Restraints Control Module (RCM); Deployed seat belt pretensioners (if equipped); Steering wheel(1); Front seat backrest pad & trim cover(2); All sensors, mounting brackets, chassis mounting areas & wiring pigtails(3); Front seat air bag modules, seat back pad & covers, seat back frames; Clockspring; Seat belts & mounting points; Steering column & brackets; Steering wheel; Steering column wiring & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers, or deployment doors must be replaced not repaired.; Repairs are made by replacement of parts only.; Ensure all module-mounting areas are restored to original condition.;
(1) If driver-side air bag has deployed, steering wheel and air bag module (soft pack) must be replaced as an assembly.
(2) If side air bag is deployed, front seat backrest trim cover must be replaced.
(3) If vehicle is involved in a collision in which Restraints Control Module (RCM), front severity sensor or side air bag crash sensor mounting area (center tunnel, front grille area or base of B-pillar) is damaged, inspect mounting surface and bracket. If damaged, sensor must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed.
Ford-9

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules; Clockspring; Front seat(1); Instrument panel(2); Restraints Control Module (RCM); Deployed seat belt pretensioners; Seat belts(3); Side impact sensors; Wiring harness(4); Air bag system wiring, harnesses & connectors; All sensors, mounting brackets, chassis mounting areas & wiring pigtails; Clockspring; Instrument panel; Seat belt retractors, buckles, front seat belt support assemblies (slider bar), child safety seat tether brackets and attaching hardware(5); Steering column & brackets; Steering wheel; Steering column wiring & connectors; SRS wiring can be repaired following manufacturer's recommendations.; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers, or deployment doors must be replaced not repaired.; Repairs are made by replacement of parts only.; Ensure all module-mounting areas are restored to original condition.; Focus is equipped with driver-side seat belt retractor pretensioner and passenger-side seat belt buckle pretensioner.;
(1) Seat must replaced following a side air bag deployment.
(2) Instrument panel must be replaced following a passenger-side air bag module deployment.
(3) All seat belt components, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt support assemblies (slider bar), child safety seat tether brackets and attaching hardware in use during a collision must be removed and new components installed.
(4) Driver- and passenger-side air bag wiring harness, with the air bag module connectors, must be replaced following a deployment.
(5) New seat belt components should be installed, where seat belts not in use during a collision, are inspected and found to be damaged or operate incorrectly.
Ford-10

Replace After Deployment Inspect & If Damaged Replace Component (Even If Air Bag Did Not Deploy) Comments
Deployed air bag modules(1)(2)(3)(4); Clockspring; Crash Sensors(1); Restraints Control Module (RCM)(1); Deployed seat belt pretensioner(s)(1); Seat Belts(5); Instrument panel knee bolsters & mounting points; Instrument panel braces & brackets; Instrument panel & mounting points; Seats and seat mounting points; All sensors, mounting brackets, chassis mounting areas & wiring pigtails(6); Seat belts & mounting points; Steering column; SRS wiring, wiring harnesses, & connectors; Inspect and replace any air bag system part identified as defective by diagnostic check.; Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers, or deployment doors must be replaced, not repaired.; Repairs are made by replacement of parts only.; Ensure all air bag module and sensor mounting areas are restored to original condition.;
(1) When any deployable device (driver-side air bag, passenger-side air bag, side air bag, seat belt pretensioner, etc.) or combination of devices are deployed an-or the Restraints Control Module (RCM) has Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1231 (Crash Data Memory Full) in memory, the repair of the vehicles air bag system is to include the removal of all deployed devices and the installation of NEW deployable devices, the removal and installation of NEW crash sensors, and removal and installation of a NEW RCM.
(2) If head-impact air bag has deployed, headliner, pillar upper trim panels and attaching hardware must be replaced, along with any other damaged components and hardware. All roofline sheet metal and head-impact tether rivet nut must be restored to original condition prior to installing NEW head-impact air bag module. The head impact air bag must be install in the vehicle using NEW torque-prevailing type J-nuts (W709759), if equipped. Use of this J-nut is mandatory so as to reduce the risk of loss of fastener effectiveness. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury in the event of a head impact air bag deployment.
(3) On 2002-03 Blackwood models, anytime the side air bag has deployed, the seat backrest frame must be replaced. DO NOT attempt to repair the seat backrest frame or side air bag mounting bracket. The seat backrest frame must be installed NEW.
(4) If a side air bag deployment took place, the seat back pad, trim cover, and side air bag module must be replaced. The seat back frame should be replaced, if necessary (except 2002-03 Blackwood models).
(5) All seat belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt height adjusters, child safety seat tether bracket assemblies, and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends NEW seat belt assemblies be installed, unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected, and new assemblies installed if either damaged or incorrect operation is noted.
(6) If vehicle is involved in a collision in which Restraints Control Module (RCM) or crash sensor mounting area is damaged, inspect mounting surface and bracket. If damaged, sensor must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsFree Quote CheckQuote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.