I'm thinking of replacing my ignition switch because mine is getting extremely sloppy. I have to remove the air bag from the steering wheel. Will disconnecting the battery keep it from deploying?

Are you referring to just replacing the key cylinder switch for the slop, or the ignition switch? If you are just wanting to replace the key cylinder switch, you do not need to remove the airbag.

Generally, if you disconnect the battery and wait at least 1 minute, your system should be deactivated. However, if you happen to short out the wrong wire, there is a chance the airbags could deploy when the battery is reconnected. If you must remove and reinstall the airbags, be very careful. Due to the nature of the sue happy public, I certainly will not recommend that you perform work removing or installing the airbag or perform anything related to the SRS system without the proper training and understanding of the SRS system. And in case you're wondering, I don't have that training so you shouldn't take what I typed above as the way your system functions.

-Rod

Rule Of Thumb Is 10 Minutes.....not 1 Minute

Please--please Pass On Safe Information

I'm thinking of replacing my ignition switch because mine is getting extremely sloppy. I have to remove the air bag from the steering wheel. Will disconnecting the battery keep it from deploying?

You do not have to do anything with the air bag to replace either the key cylinder or the ignition switch. The steering wheel does not need to be removed or dismanteled.

Thanks shorod, I'll follow your advice. I believe it just needs the key part replaced.

Rule Of Thumb Is 10 Minutes.....not 1 Minute

Please--please Pass On Safe Information
That may be your rule of thumb, but quoted from the Ford Factory Service Manual, "Wait one minute for back-up power supply energy to be depleted."

Therefore, waiting one minute is safe information, per the manufacturer.

-Rod