Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

[thunderthunder2002]

I recently had my airbag light come on my 2002 Thunderbird. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the clockspring. I really didn't believe them because they seemed pretty shady. I took it to my local mechanic and he said that the airbag had too much resistance and it was a wiring issue due to the design. He said I should take my car to the dealership and they should replace the airbag for me free of charge. Has anyone come across this issue? Any suggestions? What should my approach be?

Thank you so much!

[ArgonV]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

Yes, I have a similar issue in my 2003. Flashing airbag light now and then. (More now, than then). It more than likely is a poor connector/contact (Either in the clock spring or the seat connectors underneath the seats). You could try to see if there is an airbag fuse, and check to see if that fuse is corroded or not making a good contact.

[DavidA]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

Mine is flashing and/or on solid now. I'm taking mine to the dealer next week to find out what's going on. If the light is on, they won't deploy in an accident. NOT good.

[Kokomo]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

Replacing the clockspring did fix this problem for me on the 2002 last year. I replaced the clockspring because of the horn (for inspection). About a week later, the airbag light quit coming on.

[5bird7]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

from past discussions, in which kokomo was part of, the clockspring has been the first culprit to check out when having an air bag light come on for no apparent reason. changing the clockspring seems to have fixed most that have reported the problem.

[rcjohny]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

What is a clockspring, where is it, and what does it do ?

[5bird7]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

start with this thread:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ht=clockspring

it's in the steering column and allows the steering wheel to turn
you might also do a search on clockspring and airbag light

[texasbird]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

I believe it's what maintains electrical contact as the steering wheel turns without constantly twisting & stretching wires.

[Swalker]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

Clockspring for the win. Not all that hard to change.

[thunderthunder2002]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

It's not the clockspring. My mechanic checked it and it was fine. It's the airbag itself, it's defective and has too much resistance.

[Kokomo]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

It's not the clockspring. My mechanic checked it and it was fine. It's the airbag itself, it's defective and has too much resistance.

How many miles do you have on your car?

[thunderthunder2002]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

I have 42,000 miles on the car.

[austx]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

The driver's airbag module has an incredibly small and fragile electrical connection - looks like something you would find inside your laptop computer.

If I was getting an airbar light I would try removing the module and "DELICATELY" CLEANING the connection (locking type, gently squeeze and pull). It's an easy 15 minute job - detailed instructions for accessing the module can be found in a steering wheel removal thread.

This might not help - it may well be a clock spring problem or something else. However, I think it's worth checking out.

CAUTION!!! You MUST disconnect the battery before accessing the airbag module.

Tom

[thunderthunder2002]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

Austx
Thanks for the advice. I am terrified of taking on the task on my own! I guess what I am so confused about is why does my mechanic think it's not the clockspring and why doesn't he try to repair it if it was something else?
I don't want to spend $450 (what I was quoted for at the dealership for replacing the clockspring) if that is not the issue.

[Kokomo]

Re: Airbag - "Too Much Resistance"

The reason I asked about mileage is that my 2002 started having airbag light issues at about 50K. Also, I doubt that the dealership will replace your airbag for free without first trying the clockspring.