1998 Ford Ranger Air Bag Code 27

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger that is displaying an air bag code of 27. Can you tell me what it means and how do I reset/get rid of it?

Thanks

EDLMMX, greetings. saw your post on the Ranger Code 27. Funny, but I just pulled out my instrument panel to replace a bulb and now I have a code 27. What did you do to get yours cleared...Your assistance is appricated..

Has anyone figured this out yet? Mine is doing it too!

Has anyone figured this out yet? Mine is doing it too!


I had this happen on my 98 Ranger.(code 27) My light on the module that turns off the passenger side airbag was burnt out. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 12v light with wires attached and soldered them to the existing light.(didn't even take it out!) It fixed it!! Cost, about $1.50 and 20 minutes of fix time.

Note: if the light by the key switch to turn off the passenger side airbag does not work, it diables the entire airbag system! Hope yours is as easy to fix.

gerg

-If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the
others here for?-

During vehicle operation the air bag Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS ) module will detect and store both intermittent and hard failure Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC s) in nonvolatile memory. The DTC strategy employed by the ECS incorporates a
time-out scheme for determining when a concern exists in the system. This requires a concern to exist for up to one minute in the system before the ECS will detect it. For the ECS to determine that a concern no longer exists, the concern must be absent for up to one minute . The actual detection time-outs vary with each DTC. The DTCs can be retrieved with the New Generation Star (NGS ) Tester using the retrieve/clear continuous DTCs option. Any DTCs stored in the ECS will be displayed on the NGS Tester along with a brief description of the DTC. If no DTCs are present, the NGS Tester will display a SYSTEM PASSED message. This option can also be used to clear DTCs from the ECS memory, as long as the concern no longer exists. Once 254 key cycles have been recorded since the concern was last detected, the DTC will automatically be removed from memory.


The On-Demand Self Test option is used to verify that no electrical concerns exist with the air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS ). Upon entering the self test, the air bag Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS ) module will make an electrical check of each electrical component in the system. If a concern is detected, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC ) is displayed on the New Generation Star (NGS ) Tester with a brief description of the DTC. Concerns detected during the self test are not stored in memory, unless the same concern was also detected during normal vehicle operation. The self test should always be run after any repair to verify that the repair was successful.

The ECS monitors the SRS for possible faults. If a fault is detected while the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the ECS will illuminate the air bag indicator located in the instrument cluster. When the ignition is cycled (turned off and then turned on), the air bag indicator will flash the two-digit lamp fault code (LFC). The air bag indicator will flash the LFC five times, then it will remain illuminated for the rest of the key cycle. The ECS will also communicate the current and historical DTCs through the data link connector (DLC), using the New Generation STAR (NGS ) Tester. If the air bag indicator does not function, and the system detects a fault condition, the ECS will signal the GEM to activate an audible chime. The chime is a series of five sets of five tone bursts. if the chime or buzzer is heard, the SRS and the air bag indicator requires service.

Lamp fault codes are prioritized. If two or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority will be displayed first. After that fault has been corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.


Yes you are correct by saying that code 27 is a PAD switch or warning light fail or PAD switch warning light short to battery ... either way its probably the cause of your DTC.

I had this happen on my 98 Ranger.(code 27) My light on the module that turns off the passenger side airbag was burnt out. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 12v light with wires attached and soldered them to the existing light.(didn't even take it out!) It fixed it!! Cost, about $1.50 and 20 minutes of fix time.

Note: if the light by the key switch to turn off the passenger side airbag does not work, it diables the entire airbag system! Hope yours is as easy to fix.

gerg

-If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the
others here for?-

That did the trick. I didn't know there was a light there. It looked like a filled in spot to me. I had never seen the light turned on. Thanks for the help.

tommy2

gerg,

Thanks for your post. I have no way to read codes, but I heard the five tone alarm every time I started the vehicle and the passenger air bag off light did not light up. I was skeptical, but tried your advice and it worked.

Parts:
1) 12-volt colored lamp (Radio Shack part: 272-1099)

Tools:
1) socket set
2) philips head screw driver
3) soldering iron

Procedure:
1) remove ash tray from console panel
2) using a socket set, remove 4 hex head screws from console panel
3) pull console panel out of the two clips
4) remove connector from air bag key module in console panel and take console panel to a work bench
5) remove 2 philips head screws to remove the airbag key module
6) carefully unclip the plastic tabs that hold the airbag key module case together
7) remove connector circuit board from air bag key module
8) solder the yellow replacement lamp to the two solder pads for the original lamp on the back side of the circuit board (which wire to which pad does not matter)
9) tie the replacement lamp in place next to the original lamp
10) replace the circuit board in the airbag key module and snap the case back together
11) connect the airbag key module in the truck and start the engine to check that the lamp illuminates and that the alarm does not sound
12) screw the aribag key module back into the console panel
13) snap the console panel back into the truck
14) replace the 4 hex head screws
15) replace the ash tray

Cool! It worked. Many thanx!

Many thanks to Tommy2 and Gerg for the info on airbag code 27. The Ford Dealer wanted $70. just to hook up their code reader. As was stated, the fix cost $1.50. I'm sure they knew that when I talked to them.

Probell, Gerg,
Just applied this fix on my 98 Ranger and it worked once again. Thanks Gerg for finding the solution. Thanks Probell for the detailed instructions and even giving me the Radio Shack p/n#.

I had the heater core replaced and I guess that mechanic damaged the lamp during the process.

Greg

Just a little note, I applied this fix to my 2001 F-150 with great results. Thank you for the help. I saved a bundle.

I just experienced the same problem with 98 Ford Ranger after installing some communications equipment on the transmission hump. Tore out half of the interior looking for the connector I inadvertantly disconnected or the wire I shot a screw through.

What an inane design. Another of Ford's "better ideas". Better for Ford dealers!

Don't know how you figured this one out but wish I had come here first. Could have spent the rest of my life (or a couple hundred dollars as Ford would have wanted to replace the entire switch unit) trying to find a solution.

Many thanks!

This I can say it's the same for the 1999 Ford Ranger
Dealers have "service tech's" they only know how to change out assemblies "switch and or PCB".
Where as "Bench Tech's" take out the assembly and replace the component on the board "lamp"
The part # is correct but the price for me was $2.50 it was a package of three one yellow, green and red.
12-volt 60ma 3 colored lamps (Radio Shack part: 272-1099)
Just for the fun of it I used the red one.

Thanks for the info it worked fine

I can vouch that it worked on my 2002 F-150 as well. My advice, be careful with the soldering iron. I have a very nice burn on my hand from it. Also the replacement lamp from radio shack is very bright. I pulled the orange cover off the factory lamp and put it on the replacement, that made it a little less distracting.

you know your stuff my man or woman. good job! we need more people who know there stuff like you in here. I have been turning wrenches for about 30 years and you kicked my butt on that one. my hat is off to you. with much respect. Matt Freeman

i tried it and the led burnt right out and the airbag went right back to flashing code 27. then i tried it with out plugging in the module and the code was 25. i guess it works for some but not me. now i have to spend the $ on new one. hope this fixes it. if not im out big bucks:)

You have to watch the voltage of the LED's...most are low voltage and will not work with a 12 volt system unless you use a resistor. And most LED's are polarized...they have a positive and a negetive lead on them. If the LED you installed burned out right away, I suspect it was not the correct voltage. I bought mine at Radio Shack but was in a holder with wire leads and rated at 12 volts.-they were out of single 12 volt LED's.
Soldered it in place, hooked everything back up and works perfect. No more airbag light on the dash. 2003 Ranger Edge

Hey just want to thank u guys , got on the computer yesterday to see if i could find out anything on the airbag light code 27 and i found this sight .Went to radio shack today got the bulb and it was fixed in 20 minutes . Cost me a whole 2.50 . Thanks again .

You have to remove the airbags and the airbag computer. Try replacing the computer first. You can find the ranger airbags at www.fordairbags.com (http://www.fordairbags.com)

I have a 04 F-250 and my airbag light started to flash. Some times it turns on steady when driving. I don't know what the codes you are talking about (27), but was wondering if I am experiencing the same thing as the Ranger. How do you find out the code everyone is talking about? Is there a diagnostic unit I can pick up somewhere to find out? Any help would be apprciatated.

Stan

I have a 99 F 150. The Radio Shack Lamp worked on mine. That was after a garage told me it would be $180.00 to replace the switch. I was already into it for $78 on the diagnosis they did.
Wasilla AK, the code that is mentioned is the flashing of your airbag icon light. When you first start your rig that light will flash ( mine, 2 flashes then a pause then 7 flashes in a row). Hope that helps.

Just performed the radio shack bulb replacement for the P.A.D. on my 2001 Ford Ranger and it corrected the airbag 27 error code! No more disabled airbag and no light on the instrument cluster blinking at me. What an easy repair. Thanks to everyone that has contributed! Now if I can only figure out why my horn doesn't work when the ignition is turned off....:frown:

Thanks for the tip my light burned out also and then the dash light flashed a 27 code. I went to radio shack bought a light bulb $1.29. Solder it in place and woo! Hoo! no more code 27 THANKS

gerg,

Thanks for your post. I have no way to read codes, but I heard the five tone alarm every time I started the vehicle and the passenger air bag off light did not light up. I was skeptical, but tried your advice and it worked.

Parts:
1) 12-volt colored lamp (Radio Shack part: 272-1099)

Tools:
1) socket set
2) philips head screw driver
3) soldering iron

Procedure:
1) remove ash tray from console panel
2) using a socket set, remove 4 hex head screws from console panel
3) pull console panel out of the two clips
4) remove connector from air bag key module in console panel and take console panel to a work bench
5) remove 2 philips head screws to remove the airbag key module
6) carefully unclip the plastic tabs that hold the airbag key module case together
7) remove connector circuit board from air bag key module
8) solder the yellow replacement lamp to the two solder pads for the original lamp on the back side of the circuit board (which wire to which pad does not matter)
9) tie the replacement lamp in place next to the original lamp
10) replace the circuit board in the airbag key module and snap the case back together
11) connect the airbag key module in the truck and start the engine to check that the lamp illuminates and that the alarm does not sound
12) screw the aribag key module back into the console panel
13) snap the console panel back into the truck
14) replace the 4 hex head screws
15) replace the ash tray


I couldn't find the lamp at Radio Shack, so I calculated the resistor size to give me nearly 60 mA, selected a 2.2Kohn and it works on my 2002 Ranger!!

I couldn't find the lamp at Radio Shack. I quickly calculated the resistor size that draws 60 mA, chose a 2.2 Kohm 1/4 W. It fixed the 27 problem in my 2002 Ranger.

This place is awesome...:licka:

Found this on the net while googling..

The solution save me loads of $$$$$$ and it only cost me $3.49 Canadian at the source(Radio shack for Canada)

So.. I register cause I wanted to say thanks..

Cheers

Paul

Thanks for the help, on a 1999 F150 I had the same problem. I found a better bulb to use instead of the RadioShack one. I used a JohnDeere part number AH108380 @ a cost of approx. 3 bucks. The bulb looks more like OEM Ford bulb and even uses the same cover to change the bulb's color. The RadioShack bulb did not have but a 15 hour bulb life and has wires on it. The JohnDeere bulb has a real long bulb life and no wires. I just bent the post back on the John Deere bulb and replaced as stated in the posted repair. I feel sure someone in a car part store can cross this John Deere number into a car part number.

Airbag Code 27

My thanks for the LED fix! I found 1 in the garage and soldered it in and everything works great! With my 2 year old helping, it only took 1 hr! : )
(Plus trying to find that solding pen!)

1999 Ford Ranger V6 4L

These questions are asked and answered wrong all the time. Check out this website for the EXACT answers to questions like this. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced (seat belts & all) after a deployment on over 3500 cars
It's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)

I had this happen on my 98 Ranger.(code 27) My light on the module that turns off the passenger side airbag was burnt out. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 12v light with wires attached and soldered them to the existing light.(didn't even take it out!) It fixed it!! Cost, about $1.50 and 20 minutes of fix time.

Note: if the light by the key switch to turn off the passenger side airbag does not work, it diables the entire airbag system! Hope yours is as easy to fix.

gerg

-If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the
others here for?-

Thanks!!!

I need a sanity check please. I had the flashing air bag icon on my instrument panel back in June/July timeframe. I'm great working on others vehicles, but a puss when it comes to working on my own. I ignired the icon and never actually hooked up a scanner. Well here it is December and I no longer have the airbag icon. Am I losing my mind or has anyone else experienced this?

Stan

I had this happen on my 98 Ranger.(code 27) My light on the module that turns off the passenger side airbag was burnt out. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 12v light with wires attached and soldered them to the existing light.(didn't even take it out!) It fixed it!! Cost, about $1.50 and 20 minutes of fix time.

Note: if the light by the key switch to turn off the passenger side airbag does not work, it diables the entire airbag system! Hope yours is as easy to fix.

gerg

-If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the
others here for?-
Thanks for the info. I had the Ford Dealer run a diagnostic check they said I needed an Air Bag Control Module $326.00. Good thing I didn't have it installed, wouldn't have fixed it anyway. I applied your fix and got rid of my Air Bag Light. Should have come here first.
Gary

98 Ford Ranger with the same issue described here (Airbag Indicator flashed and remained on). Replacing the bulb solved my problem and I truly appreciate the help.

Jim

:p

98 Ford Ranger with the same issue described here (Airbag Indicator flashed and remained on). Replacing the bulb solved my problem and I truly appreciate the help.

Jim

:p

Jim,

You are welcome. Having spent some 20 years in automotive engineering I do find it difficult to believe that they would shut down an entire safety system because of a lamp failure. However, the Ranger has a full frame and in most cases seat restraint is adequate protection in a crash.

1998 Ranger here with code 2-7 as well. I have noticed that the bulb on the passenger disable switch has been on & off intermittently, but didn't realize the two were related. I'm sure mine is the same problem.

Thanks for the useful thread!!

-Bob

Hats off to Gerg and Probell for an answer that really works!http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

I went to Radio Shack and looked at the suggested bulb (272-1099), a set of three for about $2.50. It's only rated for 15 hours. I'm not real keen on doing this again so I looked a little closer and found another bulb (272-1092), a little micro with the same volt and miliamp ratings rated for 10,000 hours,...and its cheaper, two for $1.79. The only bad thing is the leads are "very" fine. You have to really pay attention or you'll burn right through the wires. But I did it with my trusty wood burning pen, so it can't be that hard. Works like a champ.

Raspberries to Ford for using a 15-hour, solder on bulb.:disappoin

Davo

My Ranger is actually a 2000, but that doesn't matter. This just started happening to me tonight. My question is...Can you replace that bulb with an LED? I honestly thought that something was majorly wrong. I'm very relieved to know that it's not something major. Thanks guys. WTF was Ford thinking to design the system to disable just b/c of a stupid bulb?

My Ranger is actually a 2000, but that doesn't matter. This just started happening to me tonight. My question is...Can you replace that bulb with an LED? I honestly thought that something was majorly wrong. I'm very relieved to know that it's not something major. Thanks guys. WTF was Ford thinking to design the system to disable just b/c of a stupid bulb?

A LED will work, however you will need to choose one with a built in "ballast" resistor or provide one in series to limit the current to 20mA. The computer senses current in the circuit, so you do not have to provide a device that draws the 60 mA if the original incandescent lamp.

DavoFromTX used an LED without a problem. There are no incandescent bulbs that last 10,000 hours when all modern LEDs last that long. Good catch and explanation capnray and good luck Ranger81.

A LED will work, however you will need to choose one with a built in "ballast" resistor or provide one in series to limit the current to 20mA. The computer senses current in the circuit, so you do not have to provide a device that draws the 60 mA if the original incandescent lamp.
Well, in reading all the posts/replies, I guess going to Radio Shack would be the cheaper move in fixing this problem. A friend of mine is a mechanic and he told me that it might not be a good move though b/c even though the light may be fixed, the SRS system may be affected still in the functionality. If it's just a standard 12v light, I don't see any issues with it, but can we be 100% positive that there's not any "hidden" problems behind this fix? My thought is, if there's going to be any issues at all, then the dash light would come on indicating a problem.

Well I wasn't so lucky. 1999 ranger xlt 4x4 had same code, replaced bulb " 12 volt resisted LED (2760209) didn't work. light does not come on when turn key for disable. So I'm thinking might be board?
Kinda hopin that was going to be quick fix.

I guess least of my problems. going to start to replace transmission on Saturday!!!!!!!!

Paul

Well I tried the bulb mentioned above and took out the led and all is good. no more codes, lights or dings. Thanks Guys.

Paul :grinyes:

thanks gerg and probell. it works on a 2001 also,procedure changed a little but is easy to figure out.

Many thanks to all the previous posters here. I also had the airbag warning (code 27) on a 2003 Ford Ranger due to a burned out passenger side disable LED. Replacing the LED with the suggested Radio Shack P/N 276-209 12 VDC 20 Ma LED (without a ballast) worked for me. It took me two tries because polarity matters (and is not indicated on the circuit board). On my board the LED cathode (short lead) goes closest to the edge of the board. I assume that this will be the same for other models / model years.

Joe

I had this happen on my 98 Ranger.(code 27) My light on the module that turns off the passenger side airbag was burnt out. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 12v light with wires attached and soldered them to the existing light.(didn't even take it out!) It fixed it!! Cost, about $1.50 and 20 minutes of fix time.

Note: if the light by the key switch to turn off the passenger side airbag does not work, it diables the entire airbag system! Hope yours is as easy to fix.

gerg

-If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?-

Hey gerg, I'm one of the others, and you have helped me a lot with your air bag code 27 reply to edlmmx's question. My passenger bulb has been burnt out for years now and was also getting the code 27. So I tried your idea out today and it worked.
Thanks-a-Million for your help, God bless you and yours.
Roger

Thanks to all saved me $300 CLAMS AND I OWE YA!
HIT RADIO SCHACK GOT THE #7219 MICRO LAMP 60MA,12 VOLTS 10000 HRS AND SOLDERED IT ON AND GLUED IT WITH A DAB OF SILICONE! NO MORE CODE 27 =OR 2 AND 7 FLASHES ON AIR BAG LIGHT THIS WAS ON MY F250 2001!
THANKS BRAD ,WISCONSIN

Thanks to this forum for fixing the code 27 on my Ranger. I tried the Radio Shack red LED 276-209 but found it extremely dim and difficult to tell if it was on.

Some quick web searching yielded the basic current and voltage limiting circuits for LEDs so using those calculations as a guide I used the yellow LED (276-0351, $2.79 for 2) in series with a 470 ohm 1/2 watt resistor (271-1115, $0.99 for 5). The yellow LED was rated 1900 mcd in light output versus 33 mcd for the red LED 276-209. It is every bit as bright as the original lamp and no problems after several hundred miles of driving. The resistor will keep the LED supply voltage and forward current well below its 3.0 V 30 mA maximums and closer to its 2.1 V 20 mA typical values. It is drawing enough current to keep the airbag diagnostic module happy.

As in the post above the LED is directional. It is a diode so if wired in backwards it won't pass current and will appear to be an open circuit. In my case as in the earlier post the negative side (short lead on the LED) was toward the short side of the rectangular board. I am not sure it is critical which side of the LED the resistor is wired into. I wired mine on the positive side of the LED. If following the lamp circuits from the connector on my truck the negative side of the lamp circuit was a yellow wire with a green stripe and the positive side a black wire with green stripe at the connector.

FYI this fixed my 1996 Mazda B300 4WD. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Another successful repair!!!! I can't thank the person enough for sharing his knowledge on this fix. Radio Shacks # 272-1099 worked like champ. Didn't even remove the burnt out lamp. Not too bright to be problem while driving at night. I leave the passenger side off because I drive alone 95% of the time. Wish I could buy him a beer or two. LOL!!! Love this site for help.

Google works great too!
If you can pull a code, you can fix it.
Example -
Do a Google ''Troubleshoot JAG P0420''

This fix worked on my 2000 F-350 dually too. I bought the bulb from O'Reilly auto parts. Eiko part #37, 2 in a pack, $2.99. Fixed in 15 minutes. I just straightened out the contacts where they bent, and soldered them right in. CODE GONE. Little light now comes on. I'm familiar with these bulbs as they fit the idiot lights on most, if not all Japanese motorcycles.http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon10.gif

i had a code 27 go off in my 02 ranger edge, dealership quoted me 150 bucks.thanx to you guys i spent about 2.50, ten minutes, and it worked perfectly. thank you to everyone that has posted on this topic, weather it worked or not. its alot of help. again thanx alot you all rock.
-shamrockpoop

The Radio shack bulb fix by Gerg and step by step direction offered by probell did the trick for my 2004 Ranger Edge. But after reading further on, the 15 hour lifespan rating doesn't sound so good, since I keep the passenger airbag off, and that light stays on for two hours a day (my commute time both ways on good days). I am going to copy the info about the light with the 10,000 hr rating in this forum and save it to a word document for the inevitable time this new bulb will fail too.
Thanks for the info on this site, it is a real money saver!!

I know it has been a while since this was originally posted. BUT thank you sir. I am a 46 year old single Mom with a 2004 Ford Ranger and my air bag light kept blinking the code 27 and then staying on. This $3.00 fix did the trick. It was so easy to do with the step by step instructions. Did it myself and saved who knows how much money. Thank you, thank you.

Sorry folks, I'm the reason this thread exists. I look for that light every time I put my kid in the truck. If it wasn't on, I wouldn't be willing to drive it, since the airbag is powerful enough to kill them in a parking lot screwup. Of course, I'm still very glad someone posted the fix, 'cause it just saved me a ton!
Thanks!

:runaround::smile: A million thanks to posters who so clearly lay out the problem and solution.

Just a word for those who want to pass emmissions immediately following this fix. If you've disconnected the battery (at least on my 1999 Ranger), then the codes are wiped clean and you must drive your car or truck for a 1/2 hour or so before the emissions codes are allowed to be read again. The passenger air bag light bulb fixed my flash code 27, but
I did not "fail" nor "pass" emissions and safety inspection, but was asked to come back. I'd only driven about 10 minutes.

Do a google ''1998 Ford drive cycle''
If you hook a scanner to the DLC & monitor for the ''inc'' , the incomplete test needs tobe performed.

1) Only do the ''inc'' test portion of the drive cycle, so you can get your inpection passed.


Example - So many miles @ 35mph city
'' '' '' @ 65mph Highway

Do a google ''1998 Ford drive cycle''
If you hook a scanner to the DLC & monitor for the ''inc'' , the incomplete test needs tobe performed.

1) Only do the ''inc'' test portion of the drive cycle, so you can get your inpection passed.


Example - So many miles @ 35mph city
'' '' '' @ 65mph Highway

:sly: Makes you wonder why the Testers at the Inspection station don't know this... Thanks

A drive cycle could take 30mins, or 3-weeks (100miles), it depends on the owner/operator.
@ 3.00 gal, who can afford playing around with the inspectors.
The service stations, are just glad to your money for the parts + service.

1999 Ranger was fixed with you're "Change the Passenger Airbag Light" fix. Since Radio Shack was out of 12V/65mA bulbs, I used a 25mA bulb, which will burn dimmer, but got rid of the flash code 2-7. Thanks to all. :cool: