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Pyrotechnic Device Disposal: Disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disposal of Deployable Devices and Pyrotechnic Devices That Are Undeployed-Inoperative 

NOTE: All inoperative airbags, safety belt pretensioners and inflatable safety belt inflators have been placed on the Mandatory Return List. Treat all discolored or damaged airbags the same as any inoperative live airbag being returned.
  1. Depower the SRS 

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  2. Remove the undeployed/inoperative device. Refer to the appropriate procedure in this service information or in the SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .
  3. NOTE: When installing a new airbag or inflatable safety belt inflator, a prepaid return postcard is provided with the replacement part. The serial number for the new part and the VIN must be recorded and sent to Ford Motor Company.

    If installing a new airbag, or inflatable safety belt inflator, record the necessary information and return the inoperative airbag to Ford Motor Company.

    Disposal of Deployable Devices and Pyrotechnic Devices That Are Deployed 

  4. Depower the SRS  .

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  5. Remove the deployed device. Refer to the appropriate procedure in this service information or in the SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .
  6. NOTE: If a dual stage driver or passenger airbag has deployed due to a crash event, the airbag requires manual deployment to make sure both stages and the active canister vent (if equipped) have deployed before scrapping the vehicle or disposing of the airbag.

    Determine if the vehicle is equipped with dual stage driver or passenger airbags.

    Refer to: AIRBAG AND SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) - SYSTEM OPERATION AND COMPONENT DESCRIPTION  .

  7. Refer to: Disposal of Deployable Devices and Pyrotechnic Devices That Require Manual Deployment in step 8 .
  8. Dispose of the deployed device in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.

    Disposal of Deployable Devices and Pyrotechnic Devices That Require Manual Deployment 

    NOTE: Safety and environmental concerns require consideration and treatment of restraints system deployable and pyrotechnic devices when disposing of vehicles, deployable devices or pyrotechnic devices. Deploying deployable and pyrotechnic devices before scrapping a vehicle or the device eliminates the potential for hazardous exposures or reactions during processing. If special handling procedures are followed, deployable and pyrotechnic devices can be deployed safely and recycled with the vehicle, shipped separately to a recycling facility or disposed of safely.
  9. To determine the deployable devices a vehicle is equipped with:

    Refer to: AIRBAG AND SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) - SYSTEM OPERATION AND COMPONENT DESCRIPTION  .

  10. A vehicle equipped with any of the following deployable devices requires manual deployment of the devices before scrapping the vehicle or component. For additional information, refer to the appropriate procedure in this service information .
    • Driver airbag
    • Inflatable safety belt inflators
    • Knee airbag
    • Passenger airbag
    • Seat side airbag
    • Safety Canopy®
    • Side air curtain
  11. To determine the pyrotechnic devices a vehicle is equipped with:

    Refer to: AIRBAG AND SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) - SYSTEM OPERATION AND COMPONENT DESCRIPTION  .

  12. A vehicle equipped with any of the following pyrotechnic devices requires manual deployment of the devices before scrapping the vehicle or component. For additional information, refer to the appropriate procedure in this service information .
    • Inflatable safety belt inflators
    • Safety belt buckle pretensioners
    • Safety belt retractor pretensioners
    • Safety belt anchor pretensioners
    • Adaptive load-limiting retractors
    • Deployable steering column
  13. NOTE: If a dual stage driver or passenger airbag has deployed due to a crash event, the airbag requires manual deployment to make sure both stages and the active canister vent (if equipped) have deployed before scrapping the vehicle or disposing of the airbag.

    To determine if a vehicle is equipped with dual stage driver or passenger airbags:

    Refer to: AIRBAG AND SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) - SYSTEM OPERATION AND COMPONENT DESCRIPTION  .

  14. If a dual stage driver or passenger airbag has deployed due to a crash event, the airbag requires manual deployment to make sure both stages and the active canister vent have deployed before scrapping the vehicle or disposing of the airbag. Refer to Driver, Passenger, Knee and Seat Side Airbags - Remote Deployment .

    Driver, Passenger, Knee and Seat Side Airbags - Remote Deployment 

    NOTE: For airbags with multiple loops, deploy all of the loops on the airbag.
    NOTE: Some driver and passenger front airbags have 2 deployment stages and an active canister vent. After a collision it is possible that Stage 1 has deployed and Stage 2 and the active canister vent have not. If a front airbag has deployed, it is mandatory the front airbag be remotely deployed using the appropriate airbag disposal procedure.
    NOTE: A typical airbag disposal is shown in illustration that is similar for all vehicles.
    • NOTE: The tires must be of sufficient size to accommodate the airbag.

      Obtain a tire and wheel assembly and 4 additional tires (without wheels) of the same size.

    • With the tire and wheel assembly on the bottom, stack the tires.
    • Securely tie all of the tires together.
      Fig 1: Identifying Tires Stack
      G08101555Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Depower the SRS 

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  16. Remove the airbag. Refer to the appropriate procedure in this service information.
  17. If the airbag does not have a hard-wired pigtail, cut each of the airbag wires near the electrical connector that connects to the vehicle wire harness.
  18. Remove any sheathing (if present) and strip the insulation from the ends of the cut wires.
  19. NOTE: Typical driver airbag with 2 loops shown in illustration, other airbags with multiple loops or multiple features (canister vent, active tether) similar.

    For airbags with multiple loops, twist together a wire from each loop then repeat for the remaining wires from each loop.

    Fig 2: Locating Driver Airbag Connector
    G08591984Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Make a jumper harness to deploy the airbag module by obtaining 2 wires (20 gauge minimum) at least 9.14 m (30 ft).
    • At one end of the jumper harness, connect the wires together.
  20. Using the end of the jumper harness where the wires are not connected together, attach each wire of the jumper harness to each wire of the airbag or to the twisted-together wires if multiple loops. Use tape or other insulating material to make sure the leads do not make contact with each other.
    Fig 3: Attaching Wire Of Jumper To Wire Of Airbag
    G09056693Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  21. NOTE: Make sure the airbag connections are maintained.

    For driver airbags, with the stack of tires upright and the wheel on the bottom, carefully place the driver airbag, with the trim cover facing up, on the wheel.

    Fig 4: Identifying Tires Stack
    G08591986Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  22. NOTE: Make sure the airbag connections are maintained.
    • For passenger, knee and seat side airbags, tip the stack of tires on its side.
    • Place the airbag inside the center tire, making sure that there are 2 tires beneath the tire containing the airbag and 2 tires (including the tire and wheel assembly) above the tire containing the airbag.
    • Place the tire stack upright, with the wheel on top.
      Fig 5: Identifying Tires Stack
      G08101561Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  23. Remain at least 9.14 m (30 ft) away from the airbag.
  24. From the end of the jumper harness that is not connected to the airbag, disconnect the 2 wires of the jumper harness from each other.
  25. Deploy the airbag by touching the ends of the 2 wires of the jumper harness to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.
  26. To allow for cooling, wait at least 10 minutes before approaching the deployed airbag.
  27. Dispose of the deployed airbag in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.

    Safety Belt Anchor-Buckle-Retractor Pretensioners, Adaptive Load Limiting Retractors and Safety Belt Inflators - Remote Deployment 

    • NOTE: The tires must be of sufficient size to accommodate the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator.

      Obtain a tire and wheel assembly and 4 additional tires (without wheels) of the same size.

    • With the tire and wheel assembly on the bottom, stack the tires.
    • Securely tie all of the tires together.
      Fig 6: Identifying Tires Stack
      G08101555Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  28. Depower the SRS  .

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  29. Remove the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator. Refer to the appropriate procedure in the SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .
  30. If the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator does not have a hard-wired pigtail, cut each of the wires near the electrical connector that connects to the vehicle wire harness.
  31. When deploying a safety belt buckle pretensioner, install a nut and bolt of sufficient length and the same diameter used to retain it to the seat.
  32. Remove any sheathing (if present) and strip the insulation from the ends of the cut wires.
    • Make a jumper harness to deploy the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator by obtaining 2 wires (20 gauge minimum) at least 9.14 m (30 ft).
    • At one end of the jumper harness, connect the wires together.
  33. NOTE: Typical safety belt retractor pretensioner shown in illustration, other safety belt anchor pretensioners, buckle pretensioners, load-limiting retractors and safety belt inflators similar.

    Using the end of the jumper harness where the wires are not connected together, attach each wire of the jumper harness to each wire of the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator. Use tape or other insulating material to make sure the leads do not make contact with each other.

    Fig 7: Attaching Wire Of Jumper Harness To Wire Of Safety Belt Anchor
    G09056697Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  34. NOTE: Make sure the airbag connections are maintained.
    • Tip the stack of tires on its side.
    • Place the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator inside the center tire, making sure that there are 2 tires beneath the tire containing the airbag and 2 tires (including the tire and wheel assembly) above the tire containing the airbag.
    • Place the tire stack upright, with the wheel on top.
      Fig 8: Identifying Tires Stack
      G08101561Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  35. Remain at least 9.14 m (30 ft) away from the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator.
  36. From the end of the jumper harness that is not connected to the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator, disconnect the 2 wires of the jumper harness from each other.
  37. Deploy the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator by touching the ends of the 2 wires of the jumper harness to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.
  38. To allow for cooling, wait at least 10 minutes before approaching the deployed safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator.
  39. Dispose of the deployed safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.

    Safety Belt Anchor-Buckle-Retractor Pretensioners, and Adaptive Load Limiting Retractors - In-Vehicle Deployment 

  40. Depower the SRS 

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  41. Access the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor electrical connectors. Refer to the appropriate procedure in the SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .
  42. Cut each of the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor wires, leaving at least 101.6 mm (4 in) to work with.
  43. Remove any sheathing (if present) and strip the insulation from the ends of the cut wires.
    • Make a jumper harness to deploy the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor by obtaining 2 wires (20 gauge minimum) at least 9.14 m (30 ft).
    • At one end of the jumper harness, connect the wires together.
  44. NOTE: Typical safety belt retractor pretensioner shown in illustration, other safety belt anchor pretensioners, buckle pretensioners and load-limiting retractors are similar.

    Using the end of the jumper harness where the wires are not connected together, attach each wire of the jumper harness to each wire of the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor. Use tape or other insulating material to make sure the leads do not make contact with each other.

    Fig 9: Attaching Wire Of Jumper Harness To Wire Of Safety Belt Anchor
    G09056697Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  45. Remain at least 9.14 m (30 ft) away from the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor.
  46. Remain at least 9.14 m (30 ft) away from the safety belt anchor, buckle, retractor or inflator.
  47. From the end of the jumper harness that is not connected to the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor, disconnect the 2 wires of the jumper harness from each other.
  48. Deploy the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor by touching the ends of the 2 wires of the jumper harness to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.
  49. To allow for cooling, wait at least 10 minutes before approaching the deployed safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor.
  50. Dispose of the deployed safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.

    Safety Canopy® and Side Air Curtains - In-Vehicle Deployment 

    NOTE: The Safety Canopy® deployment for a scrapped vehicle occurs in its installed position in the vehicle.
    NOTE: A typical Safety Canopy® disposal is shown in illustration.
  51. Depower the SRS 

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  52. Access the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain electrical connectors. For additional information, refer to the appropriate procedure in this service information.
  53. Cut each of the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain wires, leaving at least 101.6 mm (4 in) to work with.
  54. Remove any sheathing (if present) and strip the insulation from the ends of the cut wires.
  55. NOTE: Typical Safety Canopy®/side air curtain with 2 loops shown in illustration, other Safety Canopy®/side air curtains with 2 loops are similar.

    For Safety Canopy®/side air curtains with multiple loops, twist together a wire from each loop then repeat for the remaining wires from each loop.

    Fig 10: Identifying Typical Safety Canopy®/Side Air Curtain Module With Loops
    G09056700Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Make a jumper harness to deploy the safety belt anchor, buckle or retractor by obtaining 2 wires (20 gauge minimum) at least 9.14 m (30 ft).
    • At one end of the jumper harness, connect the wires together.
  56. Using the end of the jumper harness where the wires are not connected together, attach each wire of the jumper harness to each wire of the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain or to the twisted-together wires if multiple loops. Use tape or other insulating material to make sure the leads do not make contact with each other.
    Fig 11: Attaching Wire Of Jumper Harness To Wire Of Safety Canopy®
    G09056701Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  57. From the end of the jumper harness that is not connected to the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain, disconnect the 2 wires of the jumper harness from each other.
  58. Deploy the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain by touching the ends of the 2 wires of the jumper harness to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.
  59. To allow for cooling, wait at least 10 minutes before approaching the deployed Safety Canopy®/side air curtain.
  60. Dispose of the deployed Safety Canopy®/side air curtain in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.

    Deployable Steering Column - In-Vehicle Deployment 

  61. Depower the SRS 

    Refer to: SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING  .

  62. NOTE: It may be necessary to lower or remove the deployable steering column from the instrument panel to access the deployable steering column electrical connector.

    Access the deployable steering column electrical connector.

  63. NOTE: If the deployable steering column does not have a hard-wired pigtail, cut the wires and connector(s) from the vehicle wire harness and reconnect to the deployable steering column.

    Cut each of the deployable steering column wires, leaving at least 101.6 mm (4 in) to work with.

  64. Remove any sheathing (if present) and strip the insulation from the ends of the cut wires.
    • Make a jumper harness to deploy the deployable steering column by obtaining 2 wires (20 gauge minimum) at least 9.14 m (30 ft).
    • At one end of the jumper harness, connect the wires together.
  65. Using the end of the jumper harness where the wires are not connected together, attach each wire of the jumper harness to each wire of the deployable steering column. Use tape or other insulating material to make sure the leads do not make contact with each other.
    Fig 12: Attaching Wire Of Jumper Harness To Wire Of Deployable Steering Column
    G09056702Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  66. Remain at least 9.14 m (30 ft) away from the deployable steering column.
  67. From the end of the jumper harness that is not connected to the deployable steering column, disconnect the 2 wires of the jumper harness from each other.
  68. Deploy the deployable steering column by touching the ends of the 2 wires of the jumper harness to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.
  69. To allow for cooling, wait at least 10 minutes before approaching the deployed steering column.
  70. Dispose of the deployed steering column in the same manner as any other part to be scrapped.