Airbag & AC

Hi, I have a 2000 LS and have had alot of the same problems I see posted, how ironic. But it is what it is. My airbag light is staying on and I have had it checked out by a dealer, they said it was the clockspring. I have noticed on the other posts that they suggest checking the wiring under the drivers seat and I did, it seemed to be fine. So I am assuming the dealer was right. I have recieved my clockspring and did not realize it was a pretty big part. Does anyone have an idea what it should look like? And possibly how to change it? Any special tools required? That's it for the airbag light.

What are some common problems with how cold the air gets for the AC? It is pretty cold when I am driving on the highway but when I'm in town or sitting still, it's not even worth having on. Any ideas? I am going to change the AC filter. How crucial is a new AC filter? Thanks for any info, Steve

I will not be much help on the clockspring. I could probably get the service manual directions, but I haven't actually replaced on.

On the A/C though, replacing the cabin air filter would be a good start. They are not terribly expensive, and not terrible to replace. They filter the air coming into the cabin.

If the filter doesn't help the problem, then check your A/C condenser (in front of the radiator, and looks very similar to the radiator) for plugs due to debris in the fins. If you notice quite a bit of debris, use a hose to spray it out from behind (through the radiator). If a bunch of the fins are damaged, then you can attempt to have the fins straightened, or just get it replaced. Also make sure that the cooling fan comes on with the A/C. If the cooling fan is not running, that would definitely be a large contributor to why the systems cools sufficiently at highway speeds and not at low speed.

-Rod

Thanks Rod for the quick reply. I will definitely try that. Steve

the clockspring is not to hard to replace yourself

- disconnect the battery and let sit for 10mins (which makes sure there is no charge left to dis-charge the airbag)
- make sure your wheels are straight ahead (so you can line up your steering wheel later)
- remove the two bolts holing on the airbag (under little plastic plugs on each side of the steering wheel
- remove the airbag, and disconnect the wiring - it uses a stanard slide-lock on the plug
- unplug the connectors for the radio controls
- remove the horn assembly by removing the 4 bolts
- remove the torx bolt holding on the steering wheel
- using a two-prong hub puller, remove the steering wheel

the clockspring is right underneath the steering wheel at the top of the steering column.

the rest of it is fairly self-explanitory - the clockspring connects to a wiring box and two large connectors. You'll have to reach underneath the dash to get at them - as the are at the base of the steering column.

the clockspring is not to hard to replace yourself


How can I find out if my cruise control and horn not working problems on my 2000 Mercury Montaineer is the clockspring? Thanks Annie in Tulsa:banghead:

How can I find out if my cruise control and horn not working problems on my 2000 Mercury Montaineer is the clockspring? Thanks Annie in Tulsa:banghead:
Welcome to the forum!

You may want to search the Mercury Mountaineer forum for that.

[edit: I see from your post in the forum that you already did]

-Rod