On my 98 ranger the airbag light flashed while i was driving, any ideas on how to read the code without taking it to a dealer or what the problem could possibly be?

 

Common problem is the clock spring but it's an expensive guess if you are wrong.

 

Better get it scanned by someone. It could be a broken clockspring as was mentioned which isn't a huge problem but it could also be a malfunction with the sensors or computer which can cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly. Very dangerous situation.

 

Count the number of flashes.. it should be a pulse of 2 different flashes.. for example.. lets say it flashes 3 times in a row, pauses, then flashes 5 times in a row, its a LFC code 35, which means B1935 Passenger Air Bag Circuit Resistance Low..

Count the flashes. It will be a set of 2. And check the chart under the LFC section. This will then tell you the corresponding DTC and lead to you the problem

 

Awesome!

 

A bad clockspring could cause that symptom. If you need one I can see if we can get them for that year vehicle,just PM me.