Air Bags or No Airbags?

[lincolnmatthews]

Hello all, I bought an 07 GT that apparently had a frontal collision with considerable damage (fenders, headlight sheet metal, bumper etc all replaced). It was not repaired by a reputable shop. I'm sure the air bags deployed but who knows if they were replaced. Nothing had been reported to carfax.
How do I check to see if there's airbags in the car? The light comes on then goes out on startup, but doesn't prove there's airbags?
The recall had been done according to the Ford dealer, but the wreck could have been after the update.
Appreciate any help, as I hate to take it to the dealer.

 

[AHaze]

It's not difficult to remove the driver's side airbag from the steering wheel but MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. I can't emphasize that last part enough. Accidentally setting the airbag off with your head wedged between the top of the steering wheel and the windshield looking for the fasteners would not be fun.
Once you're have it out, there should be some places on the back side where you can see the actual airbag material. If there's nothing in there, someone installed a dummy and wired a resistor in to fool the airbag module.
The passenger side is a bit more difficult to remove but you may be able to snake an inspection camera in behind the dash.

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

Open the glove compartment, push in the sides with the rubber snubbers, and allow the lid to drop to the floor. If you lie down face up with your head under the passenger side dashboard, you'll be able to see if there's an airbag inflator inside its cradle.
On the driver's side, pull the small round plastic trim piece on the side of the steering column and remove the 8mm bolt. You'll then be able to pull out the horn boss and see if there's an airbag inflator attached.
FWIW I've had both of the original Takata airbag inflators replaced free of charge by Ford Cyprus as per the recall.

 

[lincolnmatthews]

Thanks Dino, but I have to pull both bolts correct to pull horn boss all the way out? Sorry man just don't want to do something stupid (which seems to be my specialty)!

 

[lincolnmatthews]

Thanks Dino, but I have to pull both bolts correct to pull horn boss all the way out? Sorry man just don't want to do something stupid (which seems to be my specialty)

 

[lincolnmatthews]

Ok saw the inflator and appears to be a bag (could see material thru the small holes). Have to assume everything else is probably ok?? Thank you guys very much, such a great forum!

 

[bb80]

If airbags was deployed and replaced in non authorized service, I would check if there was not installed one which was for recall.