Ignition Self-Destruct

[Hank F.]

I was changing the MFS, and rather than bending the shroud, I removed the ignition. Well, It wouldn't go back in, and turned out the keepers that shim the gear that actuates the ignition lock had turned in place. Now, I am driving with a self-removing switch that falls to the floor at the damnedest times. The only way I can see to fix this is to remove the steering wheel and go inside out. But, I must admit I am flat terrified of the airbag. Does disconnecting the battery de-activate the air bag actuator? I do not want to find this out the hard way. I have already had my nose broken 4 times and I cannot afford a Plastic Surgeon. Please help me keep my medical insurance affordable. Thanks.

 

[MD Ever]

Yes, disconnecting the battery disables the airbag. Be sure to wait a minute or two after disconnecting before messing with the airbag.

 

[thecrew2999]

as i hear it and to play it safe, not to mention i seen in books on airbag systems they recommend 20 mins after the battery is disconnected to play with it

 

[Porkchop]

as i hear it and to play it safe, not to mention i seen in books on airbag systems they recommend 20 mins after the battery is disconnected to play with it

Yep, they have a capacitor in the system which holds enough charge to activate them.

Disconnect the battey, and turn on your headlights. This will aid in removing any remaining voltage from the system.

When re-installing make sure the connectors are securly on there as you don't want them to wiggle out at the wrong time and accidentally set them off. Just make sure that no one is in the passenger compartment when you hook the battery back up.

 

[Bizzy]

The capacitor for the airbag system is behind the glove box to my understanding.

Look up a few posts made by rangerj on this subject, he has offered a ton of helpful info in regards to this particular system of the car. Use the advanced search function and search out posts made by rangerj for the term "air bag".

 

[projectSHO89]

as i hear it and to play it safe, not to mention i seen in books on airbag systems they recommend 20 mins after the battery is disconnected to play with it

One minute is more than enough time to discharge the backup power supply which is located in the Restraints Control Modulce (RCM). This is the prescribd waiting time in the factory service manual

The RCM is the blue box in the location that Bizzy described.

Steve