I just replaced my PAS airbag switch light bulb. I was not sure exactly which lamp was correct, it was 12v, but no idea how much current it should draw. I have lamps like it from 25 to 90mA. I was considering using the RShack 272-1141, 25mA bulb, but the yellow cover wouldn't stay on, so I decided to try using a yellow LED instead. It works fine, only thing I noticed is there is a faint glow from it when airbag is on, barely noticeable, and only visible at night (it's necessary, trickle current so the system knows there is no open circuit). But otherwise, works great, and less likely to ever need replacing. Here's what I used:
2.1v 30mA yellow LED (Radio Shack has these)
390 ohm 1/2w resistor
With the circuit board out, and the old lamp facing you, + is on the right side. Remove old lamp, slide resistor into + hole, solder anode of LED (long lead) to other side of resistor, and put cathode side of LED into other hole & solder.
That's it. The only thing I was careful about was positioning the resistor away from the plastic case, but it seems to run nice and cool, so no problem there.
I see no problem with this fix, other than the slight glow from the LED when airbag is on. As I mentioned, barely noticeable.The plus is it will last longer than a light bulb.
I didn't like the looks of the RS colored lamps, 272-1099, they have no filament supports (necessary in a mobile environment). They may not last too long. The 272-1141 is not as bright as the stock lamp. I have no idea where Ford got the original lamps.
So far, this worked for me, but as with anything experimental, do this modification at your own risk.
Tom

 

Hey, I used this post to fix my switch on my 1999 S-Cab 4x4 and it worked great. I used the RadioShack 276-271 Green LED. It was only $2.19!! I just cut the old bulb out, soldered to the pig-tails sticking out.

Then I epoxied the LED assembly in with quick setting epoxy. I just put a bunch of epoxy on it. It kind of spread all over the place, but I consider this a one time fix, so it won't ever be worked on again. The LED should outlast the truck. It has the slight glow as mentioned, but it doesn't look like it is on at all. If anything, it is kind of a nice hallo that helps you see where the switch is at night.

This is an easy fix. I went with the LED instead of the light bulb so I wouldn't have to ever fix it again. The Part I used is already set with the resister built in so it will work with 12V. It also has a Green housing on it and this spreads the light over a larger area. It is also brighter with power applied than others they were selling.

I did have to cut some plastic on one of the pins that hold the circuit board in place. These hold down pins are on the cover you remove to work on this assembly. It was pushing on the newly glued in LED. You will be able to tell this easily. Just trim till it doesn't restrict the installation of the cover.

 

This thread is still current.. And was an easy repair.
RadioShack actually has several colors of this LED with the preinstalled resistor and I wanted a more stock look with the benefits of the LED..
here is what I found to be available.
276-270 -red
276-271 -green
276-272 -orange (my choice)
Since I have a high temp soldering iron I completely removed the stock bulb and re-used the thru holes. There was enough solder in the holes I just heated it up and slipped the new LED wires thru the board. I also positioned and glued the new LED in place so as not to interfere with the plastic cover.
Great and easy fix and after 4 years the RadioShack LED was still only $2.19 with tax.
-esoxrox, 2003 F150 Heritage