1997 Ford Escort: airbag warning light

Filed Jul 25, 2012 · Airbags · 161,000 miles · MS · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford escort. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the air bag light illuminated and smoke emitted from under the dashboard. The contact maneuvered to the shoulder and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's home. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the dashboard was melting. The fire department appeared on the scene to disconnect the battery. The contact noticed there was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v323000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module) and planned on contacting the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 161,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2006 · Electrical · 94,500 miles · NV

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in an idle position a smell of smoke was observed coming from underneath the dashboard. Upon inspection, the engine fuse box was found to be burnt. Before the smoke erupted, the airbag light illuminated for a few seconds and then blinked once. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer who determined that the condensation from the evaporator case may have dripped onto the airbag diagnostic monitor or wiring harness. The dealer refused to perform a second remedy repair under recall # 02s44. The manufacurer was contacted however they confirmed the dealer's consensus.

Filed Jul 29, 2005 · Visibility · GA

This is pertaining to a 1997 ford escort, VIN [xxx] 1. My heater core developed a leak 2. I had the heater core repaired at the dealership--in the service ticket they noted "air bag light will be on. Coolant damaged air bag monitor will need to be replaced" (prior to this, the air bag monitor appeared to be working--I.e. The dash light showed normal operation.) since they had already put the dash back on and I was told that it would cost about $800 to take it back off and replace the monitor, I waited until I had both the money and time. 3. I received a recall notice (02s44): this was to have a shield placed over the air bag monitor to prevent damage from water and other liquids. 4. I took the car in for the recall repair and informed them of the fact that the damage had already occurred but was told that the recall only covered putting in a shield and not the repair of the damage. 5. I called ford motor company asking them to repair the damage that occurred prior to the recall at no cost to me but I was informed that they will only install a shield to prevent future damage. (that seems to me like closing the barn door after the animals have left). *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jun 20, 2005 · Airbags · 94,645 miles · FL

Dt: have a recall letter for air bag light, and took vehicle to dealership service dept to have it fixed. The number on the recall was 02s44, they supposedly fixed it, but went, and got in the vehicle and the light was flashing again. Hadn't even left the lot. Now they want to charge consumer to have it hooked up to a diagnostic machine .

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Airbags · CA

Air bag light illuminated. Consumer had the problem before. Contacted the ford dealer, but problem recurred.

Filed Sep 1, 2004 · Airbags · NY

Consumer receive recall notice 02-s44 replacement of air bags . Dealer failed to repair the recall. Consumer informed mechanic that the SRS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer stated that the light was not on before recall repairs were done. Service manager tammy.

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Airbags · CA

Air bag warning indicator illuminated, and vehicle was taken to the dealer. Mechanic determined that water got into the air bag system, and damaged it and wiring harness. Dealer informed consumer that vehicle was under recall 02v323000, but the damaged parts were not covered under this recall. Consumer indicated he never received a recall notice from the manufacturer.

Filed Mar 7, 2004 · Airbags · 66,000 miles · FL

The federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v323000 when I received the letter from ford it said that the recall was for the air bag module. It did not say anything about just putting a plastic covering over the module. The module in my car was already shorted out and is no good. I made a complaint about his in early 2002. I spoke with an the federal safety agency investigator about this problem and months later is when the recall happened. But it not even a recall for a fix to the problem I already had. Keeping the water out of a bad module is not helping me at all. I was under the impression that the module would be replaced. How can the dealer see that the air bag module is shorted out and just put a plastic covering on it and give it back to us with the air bag light still on?

Filed Dec 29, 2003 · Airbags, Electrical · AL · fire

Consumer stated when vehicle was purchased 3 months ago air bag light was on and later went off. On december 22, 2003, the airbag light came on upon starting , and then air bags deployed, and smoke began to come out of the dash. Vehicle caught on fire and was totaled. The fire department stated fire was due to a short in a wire.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Airbags, Electrical · NY · fire

Vehicle's air bags deployed and dashboard caught on fire while parked in a local garage.*mr the air bag light was coming on and off the remained on. Consumer allowed the vehicle to cool after smelling smoke. A trooper recommended having the vehicle towed. The vehicle was at a local garage locked up when the fire occurred. The windshield shattered due to the hot temperature. The fire dept. Found the vehicle was under recall for defective air bags.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Airbags, Visibility · 74,239 miles · NV

Consumer had recall 02v323000 remedied in 03/03. The airbag warning light illuminated again and the consumer was very concerned for her safety. *ak the air bag light came on while driving. The air bag light stayed on for two days. The dealer stated they were unable to do anything about it unless it had come back on. *scc the power window failed to roll down.

Filed Jul 10, 2003 · Airbags · NY

Consumer noticed a month after purchasing the vehicle air bag light flashed on and off. Consumer contacted the dealer several times. Dealer has not diagnosed the problem.