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I am getting the flashing light on my airbag idiot light (code 27 - 2 flashes a pause and then 7 flashes). The pattern repeats 4 times and then the airbag light stays on. According to my google-fu the light on the key module that turns off the passenger side airbag was burnt out - it is. I have kept the passenger bag tuned off because I almost never have a passenger.
1- There are two 7mm bolts on the bottom of the console panel and one in the center of the top of the cubby hole. There is little clearance on the bottom so I had to use an open ended wrench.
2- Remove connector from Passenger Airbag Disable module in console.
I took the console in to my workbench. It is in the upper 80's with 90% humidity. I had my shirt soaked though with sweat in the 15 minutes it took to get the correct size open end to get the lower 7mm bolt screws off.
3- Remove 2 #2 phillips head screws to remove the key module.
4- Unclip the plastic tabs that hold the key module case together - I used a jewelers flat head to spring the tabs.
5- Remove circuit board from key module case.
6- Unsolder the blown light bulb. My multi-meter let me know it is blown.
From the web searches other models are similar and the stock light is a 12v 50mA. I have also read about using a resistor style LED. I have neither so I will make a trip to Fry's tomorrow to get a bulb. I will finish the write-up once I get a bulb.
Here is the rest:
7- I purchased a Linrose Green LED 12V 30mA with a 60 degree view angle with the integral resistor from Fry's for $3. The cathode (-) is closest to the edge of the circuit board. The cathode is the short leg on the LED.
8- I soldered in the LED in and plugged the board up to the truck to test it to make sure it worked.
9- I trimmed the excess on the pins and put the circuit board back into the module case where I bent the LED 90 degrees to point at the window.
10- I snapped the rear of the module case back together and screwed it down in the console.
11- I then snapped the two piece console together and reinstalled it in the truck with the three 7mm screws after I plugged it in.
If you know how to solder this is an easy fix that is slightly more difficult than changing out wiper blades. Like Jamman stated the LED does show a slight residual glow all the time but if you leave the original view windows it is not noticeable when the Airbag is ON. I keep the airbag OFF about 99.5% of the time because it is rare for me to have a passenger and it has a nice bright shine. I did this writeup because I found conflicting info on my original search and nothing for a 2004 Ranger.
Attachment: Airbag key1.jpg (Downloaded 14 times)
____________________
Tony
NE ATL
'04 XLT regular cab 3.slo stepside
Semi retirement