Ford Explorer: Supplemental Restraint System / Removal and Installation - Restraints Control Module (RCM)

Removal

  WARNING: The following procedure prescribes critical repair steps required for correct restraint system operation during a crash. Follow all notes and steps carefully. Failure to follow step instructions may result in incorrect operation of the restraint system and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1.   WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure in this manual, refer to health and safety warnings in section 100-00 General Information. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

   Refer to: Pyrotechnic Device Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: The PMI (programmable module installation) process must begin with the current RCM (restraints control module) installed. If the current RCM (restraints control module) does not respond to the diagnostic scan tool, the tool may prompt for As-Built Data as part of the repair.

   Using a diagnostic scan tool, begin the PMI process for the RCM following the on-screen instructions.
   

1. Depower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. Remove the floor console.
   Refer to: Floor Console (501-12 Instrument Panel and Console, Removal and Installation).
   

1. If equipped.
   Remove the push nuts and the RCM cover.
   

1. 1. Disconnect the RCM electrical connectors.
      
   2. Remove the bolts.
      Torque: 93 lb.in (10.5 Nm)
   3. Remove the RCM.
      

Installation

  WARNING: Incorrect repair techniques or actions can cause an accidental Supplemental Restraint System deployment. Make sure the restraint system is depowered before reconnecting the component. Refer to the Supplemental Restraint System depowering General Procedure in section 501-20B. Failure to precisely follow depowering instructions could result in serious personal injury from an accidental deployment.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Repower the SRS. For a new RCM, do not prove out the SRS at this time.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Using a diagnostic scan tool, complete the PMI process for the RCM following the on-screen instructions.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Carry out the ABS Calibration service functions using the diagnostic scan tool and following the on-screen instructions.
   

1. If a new RCM was installed, prove out the SRS. Verify all airbags are installed and connected and the ignition is OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition ON and monitor the airbag warning indicator. The airbag warning indicator illuminates continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turns off. Continue to monitor the airbag warning indicator for approximately 30 seconds, as this is the time required for the RCM to complete testing of the SRS.
   
   • If a SRS fault is present, the airbag warning indicator either fails to light, remains lit continuously or flashes. The flashing may not occur until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned from OFF to ON. If this occurs, diagnose and repair any SRS faults before proceeding with other repairs.
     
   • If, after the ignition has been turned on for 30 seconds, the airbag warning indicator remains unlit with no chime or SRS message displayed in the message center, no SRS fault is present.
     
   • If the airbag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime sounds in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps or a message displays in the message center. If this occurs, diagnose and repair the airbag warning indicator and any SRS faults before proceeding with other repairs.