Mis-assembled airbag clockspring

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Ford vehicles. Closed 25 February 2003.

Investigation
EA02010
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
2 July 2002
Closed
25 February 2003

What NHTSA investigated

In july 2001, ford issued a special service message announcing that some air bagclockspring devices may produce noise when the steering wheel is turned full left or right.ford was aware that some clocksprings may have been improperly installed.the improper installation may also cause an open circuit and the air bag warning light to illuminate.starting with vehicles produced in september 2001, ford adding length to the clockspring wire to reduce the likelihood of damage from improper installation.odi's investigation revealed 32 comlaints (vehicle built prior to sept. 2001) of warning light but no crashes, injuries, lawsuits or claims.a safety defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached summary report.

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
FordEXPLORER2002
MercuryMOUNTAINEER2002

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.