Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Deactivation

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.

Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.

NOTE: If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side air bag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced, the air bag system must be deactivated.

NOTE: Restraint system diagnostic tools MUST be installed under the seats in the seat side air bag (if equipped) and safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) to floor connectors.

NOTE: Diagnostics or repairs are not to be performed on a seat equipped with a seat side air bag with the seat in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose or repair a seat concern when equipped with a seat side air bag, the seat must be removed from the vehicle and the restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed in the seat side air bag electrical connectors. The restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road.

NOTE: After diagnosing or repairing an SRS, the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.

NOTE: After diagnosing or repairing a seat system, the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

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.

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 and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section.

2. Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.

1. Remove the screws.

2. Pull out to release the retaining clips and remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.

3. Remove the steering column opening lower reinforcement.

1. Remove the bolts.

2. Remove the steering column opening lower reinforcement.

4. Pushing in on the release tab, disconnect the clockspring electrical connector at the base of the steering column.

5. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the vehicle harness side of the clockspring electrical connector.

6. Open the glove compartment, push in on the tabs and open the glove compartment door to its fullest extent.

7. Remove the right hand A/C register duct.

• Remove the two screws retaining the duct to the A/C register.
• Separate the A/C duct at the air plenum and remove the duct.

8. Disconnect the passenger air bag module.

9. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the vehicle harness side of the passenger air bag electrical connector.

10. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section.

11. 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.

12. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section.