Front Impact Severity Sensor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Front Impact Severity Sensor

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

NOTE: Freestyle shown, Five Hundred and Montego similar.

NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.

All vehicles

Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Freestyle front impact severity sensor
Remove the 8 upper grille retainers.

Fig 2: Removing Upper Grille Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the 4 lower grille clips and remove the grill.

Fig 3: Releasing Lower Grille Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Five Hundred and Montego front impact severity sensor

Remove the 6 retainers and carefully position out the upper air deflector.

Fig 4: Removing Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag front impact severity sensor retaining nuts is critical for correct system operation.

NOTE: Make sure the radiator support and front impact severity sensor mating surfaces are clean and debris free.

NOTE: Note position of locator tab on sensor for installation.

Remove the front impact severity sensor bolt.
- To install, tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Disconnect the front impact severity sensor electrical connector and remove the sensor.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Repower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .