Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Hey everyone! So had my 97 Ranger XLT now for just over a week or so, and just noticed the other day (driving at night for the first time) that my airbag dash light blinks and then stays on. I have read everything I could find on this, and here's what I got so far...
It seems to be a code 44....it flashes 4 then 4 then 4 for quite some time, then stays on. I assume that drivers airbag at this point is not functioning. My Ranger DOES NOT have a passenger side bag as I believe this was an option in 97.
I have cleaned the harness connection under the seat, as I read that COULD be a cause, but it did not help in my case. I also read that a 44 code means something about the right front sensor is not connected correctly. I assume there are two crash sensors in the front end. I also read that they are located near the radiator mounts? I have looked under the truck, up around the radiator mounts and around the grill and bumper, but not sure what I'm lookin for or what they look like. Can anyone tell me where these sensors are actually located and what I should be looking for? Would appreciate it....once I find them, can they just be disconnected and cleaned? Thanks for any help folks....PS...if I find/clean them and that does not help, what would you suggest to be the next step?

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

bump...anyone??

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

you could try pulling the passenger side air bag out, disconnect it and re-connect it. Pop the glove box open and flip it down, there should be the airbag mount bolts underneath it. Just take them out and pull the airbag out. Just remember to take the negative terminal off your battery before doing the airbag

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Clinton....my truck has no passenger airbag...

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Ok, I mis read that one LOL. Did you try popping off the drivers airbag?

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

the sensors up front are big box like looking things, they should be right on the sides of the radiator between the grill and header panel.

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Clinton...do I didn't try removing the drivers airbag...anything I should know (caution) in doing this?
Pooleo...man...I swear when I looked at the front end with a shop light, I didn't see anything like that. I will look again....thanks.

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Yes...MAKE SURE YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!!! LOL, that is the biggest caution I could give you!

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

I have a 2002 ranger and found, after taking my truck to a repair shop, that my 'restraint' light would do what you describe when the seat is ajusted forward close to the steering wheel. I had the light come on each time my wife drives my truck and ajusts the seat up close and have had the light come on when the passenger side seat was ajusted forward close to the dash. I think when the seats are too much forward the air bags present a personal hazard if deployed. Check the seat position or the position sensor. Move the seat back and see if the light goes out. If necessary check the wiring under the seats.

BTW, the shop said that I had a code either the same as yours or similiar. They said something about a restraint 'charge' but the light went out while at their shop. What actually happened was while there they moved the seat back. I later descovered why the light was on when I noticed that it would come on each time the seats were moved forward. Hope this helps.

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

If you are removing the airbag, like Clinton said pull the negative battery cable. But also wait a couple minutes to let the capacitor to discharge. I am not sure if the rangers came with them or not, but better safe then sorry. It wouldn't hurt to pull the fuse for the airbags too.

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

this won't help the OP. his truck doesn't have any airbag stuff in the seats. that all started in 98.

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Thanks everyone...like I said when I researched the code I found that a 4-4 flash was something about the R/H front sensor not connected correctly. That's why I figured that perhaps the front sensor(s) connectors are loose/corroded or something. Just wish I could locate them. I do not see any box like things at the bottom of the radiator sides. Could they be missing? Would that send out the same code if they were missing completely? Obviously, they should have some type of wiring harness/plug going into them, and I don't see that anywhere down there either. Headlights, turn signals and fog lamp harness I can see. Strange...

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

they aren't at the bottom. more towards the middle of the core support. let me look and see if i have any pics.

this is a 98 core support, but the sensors you are looking for look similar. see the little black box near the middle? that's what you are looking for.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...r/PICT3965.jpg

here is a shot of them on my old 97:
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...mages/77e6.jpg


pull the grill off, it'll make it easier to find them.

Re: Airbag Code 44? Front Sensor Locations?
 

Wow...now that really helps....no wonder I couldn't find them. I was looking in the totally wrong place. Thanks drppdyllwrngr... I will let you all know if this helps solve my mystery...