I don't know what the big deal is in this thread. Who cares if he doesn't want an airbag, its his choice to run a different steering wheel. The OP is aware that removing the airbag isn't safe and doesn't care so just move on.

Pull the airbag, pull the bulb, replace the steering wheel, and drive the truck.

 

You can either purchase a Restraint System Diagnostic Tool (check ebay) and leave it in place.

Or

Try installing a 2.2 ohm 2w resistor (from Radio Shack) in the harness connector that would normally plug into the airbag.

If you use the resistor, and after verifying its operation, I'd recommend soldering it in place and properly insulating to prevent any shorts.

Warning, follow proper deactivation and reactivation of the Airbag System!

Note, I do not guarantee nor endorse this mod. Do it at your own risk!

 

pull your bulb out of the dash and you will get a 5-5 chime. it's an audible chime backup for when the cluster light burns out. it will chime every time you start the truck, and in my case, about every 45 minutes after. it is a part of the system. if the light is illuminated, the system is not active. if the bulb is burnt out or removed, the system is not active and will chime.

 

It is hard for me to believe that the system can’t be defeated.
It gets power from somewhere, even hookup to the computer needs a resistance level, so you should be able to override along that line.
Anyone have a good schematic for that system.

Bob, where are you… any input would be appreciated.
I will sign a paper saying I asked for it and did it of my own free will.

 

Sorry for the confusion, you are not understanding me.

#1 I DON"T MIND OR CARE ABOUT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NOT WORKING, I AM REMOVING THE AIRBAG!

#2 if I remove the airbag, I will get an airbag light on my dash to come on.

#3 if I pull the dash light bulb out, I will get a chime.

#4 ALL I WANT IS FOR THE LIGHT & CHIME TO GO AWAY, some people recommend just painting the bulb black, it would still be on - you just couldn't see it. Or you could block out the lens on the cluster face, here again the bulb would still be on, you just couldn't see it.

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A BETTER SOLUTION!!!

 

CAN"T PULL THE BULB OUT, YOU GET A CHIME!

 

At least you are getting what I am saying, however you cannot just pull the bulb, YOU WILL GET A CHIME!

 

you can not get rid of the chime....ford designed it that way

 

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF WAYS, some people recommend just painting the bulb black, it would still be on - you just couldn't see it. Or you could block out the lens on the cluster face, here again the bulb would still be on, you just couldn't see it.

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A BETTER SOLUTION!!!

 

well a better solution isnt out there...youre just gonna have to live with it

 

Yea, its seems like the options you've decided aren't good enough are your only ones.
You said its more of a show truck, with a different steering wheel, it won't be legal (could be wrong, probably am) and you won't have to worry about driving it for more than 5-10 minutes.

 

By the sounds of it where you're going with the resistor in the light socket would be your next best bet. I understand what your getting at, basically tricking it to think the bulb is in and working so that you don't get the chime. Same as changing your blinker relay when you add leds to stop the hyper flash. You would just have to find out what the draw on the lights would normally be. I think just painting or covering the light would be easier tho. Then you don't have to worry about fire. Don't blame me if anything bad happens tho I've never really gotten into wiring for airbags or computers lol

 

Since you said this will not be driven much, what about removing the RCM Unit totally ?

 

there is a way to defeat the chime. i have done it to my truck, but i prefer to keep it off the public forums. i have contacted the OP and told him how to do it.

i clipped a deer almost 9 years ago. blew the dr's side bag. never wanted to deal with it (didn't want it to begin with, my personal preference). after the accident, i pulled the bulb. chime. long road trips drove me nuts. so there is a way on 95-7s. 98+ i'm sure there is, but i've not dealt with it on those years.

 

I am bringing this thread up again bacause I also want to remove my airbag.

I have been searching the internet for information on how to do this and landed in this thread.
How ever there might be a solution to this.
Ford uses a Air Bag Simulator when they troubleshoot the system.
Part no. 105-00012. Its a 2 ohm resistor that connects to the 2 wire plug inside the steering wheel.

Disconect the battery, wait for more than 6 min. Disconnect the air bag and connect the simulator. Clear fault codes on the computer and you are done.