Hello everyone,

I have a 2003 Ford F-150 4D XLT with only 100k miles. The truck has never been in an accident, the airbags have never deployed, and there’s been no previous SRS/airbag issues.

Originally, my radio worked fine but the screen was blank. I ordered a used replacement radio from eBay and installed it. Immediately after the swap, the airbag light came on. Prior to this, there was no airbag light at all.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:

1. Initial basic checks – At first, I didn’t have an OBD2 scanner, so I tried the simple fixes:
   • Disconnected the battery for 1 minute
     
   • Disconnected the battery for 30 minutes
     
   • Light always came back on.
     
2. Radio swap test – Swapped the original radio back in, but the airbag light stayed on. Reinstalled the newer radio afterwards.
   
3. Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch replacement – Ordered a used PADM switch/light and replaced the existing one. Airbag light still on.
   
4. OBD2 scan with FORScan – Purchased an ELM327 USB adapter and connected to FORScan for Windows:
   • Found B1884 code in the RCM (Restraint Control Module) – Passenger Airbag Deactivation Lamp Circuit Open/Short
     
   • Cleared DTCs multiple times, but the code and airbag light return immediately.
     

What to do next? what you'll think is the issue since everything was good and swapping the radio caused it from the first place

 

98% of the time, that DTC (B1884) means the light bulb in the PAD assembly is open or burned out.

Often happens during radio swaps due to the PAD getting jarred and the fragile filiament gets broken.

 

Well I already replaced the PAD as I mentioned once, you saying I should order another one?

 

I'd be of the opinion that the used one you bought is also defective.

You can check the light bulb with a multimeter, if you have one. Back before they went under, you could buy a bulb at Radio Shack and solder in a replacement into the PAD.

 

you were right, I ended up by changing the light bulb inside and now the SRS light is cleared

 

That's good news!

What part (bulb) did you use and where did you locate it (for future reference)?