removing mk 5 escort airbag

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Wed 8 Sep 2004 23:22
removing mk 5 escort airbag - allan doc
My mate wants me to change his indicator switch on his mk5 escort, but i've looked at the haynes manual and it mentions that i need to remove the airbag to gain access to this switch. I'm a little hesitant to do this because i've been told that the airbag can sometimes activate itself. Can anyone give me any advice on this, and if it's worth attempting it.
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Wed 8 Sep 2004 23:30
removing mk 5 escort airbag - David Horn
According to the Haynes manual (for my Xsara, anyway) you should disconnect the battery and wait 30 minutes for capacitors to discharge. After refitting, do not sit in the drivers seat to turn the ignition on - switch it on and wait for all the airbag lights to extinguish first prior to sitting in the driver's seat.

To be honest, I'm rather paranoid when it comes to fiddling with things designed to explode and would always let a garage to do it.
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Wed 8 Sep 2004 23:31
removing mk 5 escort airbag - elekie&a/c doctor
Removal of indicator/wiper stalk assy does not require removal of airbag.Undo 2 screws on top of steering cowl &remove.The switch is secured by 1 central screw,then the whole unit slides upwards.If you are fitting a new switch,d'ont forget to swap over flasher relay that is clipped into bottom of old switch.
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Fri 10 Sep 2004 22:43
mk 5 escort indicator switch - allan doc
I've replaced am indicator switch on a mk 5 escort with a one from the scrap yard, and its still not fixed the problem. The indicator will not switch off after being activated. I've tried turning the steering wheel several times but theres still no joy. Is this a common fault on escorts, and would it be the switch itself thats faulty or the indicator cam on the steering wheel thats worn.
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