Airbag SRS Light, Code 46, still on after quick fix, next step?

03GeorgiaPreRanger · #1 02-29-2012, 07:35 AM

Hey guys, I have a 2003 Ranger Edge 2wd 3.0L Automatic. The airbag light was on when I got it last year, so I decided to try and fix it recently. Info on here pointed me to the connection under the driver's seat with the 46 code, so I pulled the connection apart, cleaned it well with electrical contact cleaner and reinstalled it. The light remained on, so I did the same to the passenger side to be sure, but still no luck. Someone told me to pull the battery cables to reset it, and then pull the fuse for the airbags. So I disconnected the cables, but couldn't find which fuse it was, so I pulled each fuse one at a time for about 10-15 secs each (and checked each one while I was at it). They were all good, and the light is still on.

Here's my first question: Which fuse is it? The only thing I see in the owner's manual that it sounds like it could be is a 10A fuse in space 26 called the Restraint Control Module...?

And is that how to reset the light, or will it just go out on it's own when the problem is corrected?

And lastly, if it's not the connection under the seat, and it's not the fuse, what is the next thing to check or replace?

Thanks!

03GeorgiaPreRanger · #2 02-29-2012, 11:40 AM

Ok, so I've done a little more digging. Sounds like if I end up having to replace anything it will be the Seat Belt Pretensioner on the driver's seat. Anyone seen this problem before? Where would I get it? (I'm guessing dealer or junkyard) And where exactly is it and how do I change it?

Thanks!

03GeorgiaPreRanger · #3 03-06-2012, 06:18 AM

Figured out the seatbelt pretensioner is simply the lower latch of the seat belt, but it's $220 at the dealer!

So, can someone AT LEAST tell me, for my year model, whether the light needs to be reset or if it will simply go out when the problem is fixed?

Thanks!

03GeorgiaPreRanger · #4 03-16-2012, 11:36 AM

So, either this is too technical for me to get a definitive answer from anyone who has viewed this thread, or my research hasn't been good enough and I'm missing something so obvious I don't even deserve a response...

As best as I can find out searching here as well as several other sources is that the light will go out once the problem is corrected, but I can't seem to find that out for my specific year model, just mostly info on older models, and a lot of times it just sounds like a guess. I also would still like to know if it is worth my time and effort to even change that pretensioner, or is there something else I should try first?

Surely someone on here has an idea of what I should try...

Thanks!

EMB1230 · #5 03-16-2012, 11:42 AM

Is the light for the passenger airbag coming on? That will throw a code if it is burnt out.

rwenzing · #6 03-16-2012, 12:07 PM

Code 4-6 means that the resistance in the driver side pretensioner circuit is out of spec. That is most often caused by a poor (high resistance) connection under the driver seat. If the 4-6 code does not go away by cleaning the connection, the connector assembly may need replacement. If that doesn't work, it might need a new pretensioner assembly (possible but not likely).

There is no need to pull any fuse or cable for resetting airbag codes. The system is monitored for faults every time the vehicle is restarted and the light should go off on its own if the problem is corrected.

Remember - the airbag is an explosive device and so is the pretensioner. The factory shop manual is full of dire warnings and safety procedures regarding the servicing of Supplemental Restraints System components. As a rule, aftermarket manuals don't cover the SRS at all - that says a lot about the danger and the liability.

2tonefx4 · #7 03-16-2012, 03:56 PM

I bought another seat for my truck from a salvage yard, and had my airbag light come on. I took my truck to my local ford dealership and they told me it was the seatbelt pretensioner. I said the hell with paying that kind of money for the part, so I unhooked the battery and pulled the seat and put my original seat back in. The light went out. So...once the problem is corrected, the light will go out on its own (assuming you unhook the battery while you fix the problem). The dealership told me that even with the pretensioner junk, the airbag system would still function properly. Said that they would go when they were supposed to and wouldn't go off premature. I was gonna leave the seat in with the light on but I am not sure if it will pass inspection that way.

03GeorgiaPreRanger · #8 03-23-2012, 01:51 PM

Ok, thanks for the info guys. Sounds like what I was thinking was correct for my year model as well, and I guess I need to better check that connection under the seat next before anything else.

And yes, I'm aware of the seriousness and sensitivity regarding repair and checking of the airbag system. The battery is always completely disconnected, and I don't just "fiddle" with stuff or anything like that. I worked on airplanes for 4 years in college, so I have a pretty good respect for safety precautions related to mechanical devices!

Thanks again! I'll post the repair if I ever figure it out....

02 silver skull · #9 03-28-2012, 06:57 AM

Any luck on a fix? mine jus came on 2 days ago and is on whenever i drive my truck.

03GeorgiaPreRanger · #10 04-03-2012, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02 silver skull

Any luck on a fix? mine jus came on 2 days ago and is on whenever i drive my truck.

No, not yet. My wife and I had a new baby a couple of weeks ago, so not much time for tinkering! ;-)

Have you tried pulling the plug under the driver and/or passenger seats and cleaning and lubing it? Apparently that fixes like 90% of the lights that are on...

I'll post something soon as I figure anything new out. Good luck with yours!