Airbag Light B2293-19/Loose Connection 2003 Navigator

[pogo0123]

Recently the airbag light on my dash has come on. I ran the car through FORScan and got the code B2293 and the airbag light flashes a 1 and then 9 times (code 19). Code states that it is a driver's side airbag circuit issue. From what I've read, people normally have this airbag light flash immediately after the engine starts. Mine only lights up after I begin driving, sometimes after 30 seconds, and sometimes after 10 minutes. So I decided to check the connectors in the steering column to see if I could find any damaged or corroded connections. Here is a picture of the connections where I started:


I started by pulling the black connector on the left side. It was fine. However, when I pulled the gray connector on the right side, a little metal piece that looks like it is responsible for some electrical contact somewhere fell out to the floor. This is that piece:


Since I did not have any idea where this went, I reassembled everything and started the car. This time, the airbag light came on immediately and started flashing the 19 code. I cycled the ignition a couple times to make sure it wasn't a fluke and the behavior was the same. This makes me think that this metal piece is somehow responsible for the airbag circuit issue and is causing the light to come on. The problem is that I can't seem to find where it should go. I suppose it's possible that it fell out from somewhere in the steering wheel but I have not taken apart the airbag or clock spring yet. I also don't suspect it is the clock spring, as my horn and steering buttons all still work. Additionally, the airbags have never deployed as code 19 may suggest. Any help is appreciated.

Edit: I did end up removing the clock spring and testing resistance with a volt meter while spinning it and the clock spring seems fine.

 

[whtbronco]

The piece that fell out looks like it goes in the black receiver for that grey connector. You can see one in the black receiver side in your pic and my thought is the other side of that fell out.

 

[pogo0123]

I didn't notice that, but looking at the actual part again those are the prongs in the connector. The angle definitely makes it look like what you said though

 

[davdav]

I had the same issue and I found where they go. They are the craziest retaining clip and go in the bottom of the receiver for the gray plug. I tried inserting them first but ended up having to insert them WITH the plug to get them to seat properly. Your results may vary.