Ford F150 Pickup. Manual — part 1722

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

Fig. 10: Identifying Junction Panel Fasteners
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

Removal & Installation

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disconnect negative battery cable. Insert

thin tool between headlight switch and finish panel and disengage switch. Disconnect headlight switch
electrical connectors and remove switch.

2. Release clips and remove steering column opening cover. Remove bolts and instrument cluster finish

panel. See Fig. 11 . Remove instrument panel mounting bolts and disconnect electrical connectors.
Disconnect transmission range indicator, if equipped. Remove instrument cluster.

3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE

SPECIFICATIONS . Connect negative battery cable. Check AIR BAG warning light for proper system
function. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

CAUTION: Exposure to static electricity can damage instrument panel internal

components. Instrument cluster component failure may result. Ensure
instrument panel is protected from static electrical charges.
Removing headlight switch with screwdriver can cause damage. Damage
to plastic finish panel may result. Use thin tool with tape applied to end to
protect finish panel.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

Fig. 11: Removing Instrument Cluster Finish Panel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE

Removal

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Passenger-side air bag module is located

in right side of instrument panel above glove box. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM
under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

2. Release passenger-side air bag module connector pin-type retainer. Remove upper air bag module

retaining screw. Open glove box door, push in glove box door tabs and position door fully downward.
Remove lower air bag module retaining screws and remove air bag module through front of instrument
panel. See Fig. 12 .

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag module retaining screws to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . Remove air bag simulator from passenger-side air bag module harness connector and
reconnect connectors. Connect negative battery cable. With air bag simulators installed at all remaining
deployable devices, perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . Activate air bag
system. See ACTIVATING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

Fig. 12: Removing Passenger-side Air Bag Module
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG DEACTIVATE SWITCH (PAD)

Removal & Installation

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See

DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove center
instrument panel finish panel. Working from rear of instrument panel finish panel, disconnect PAD
switch electrical connector. Remove PAD switch retaining bolts and remove PAD switch.

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Connect negative battery cable. With air bag simulators installed at

all deployable devices, perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
Activate air bag system. See ACTIVATING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM.

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)

WARNING:

Improper air bag system operation is possible. Personal injury may result.
RCM orientation is critical for proper air bag system operation. If RCM
mounting and bracket have been damaged, RCM must be replaced even if

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup