When there is a problem with a Ford's airbag, the airbag warning light will illuminate and flash a code that identifies the problem. Because airbag problems range from a lost battery feed to a shorted circuit, it is important to understand the codes so that the airbag can be properly repaired.
Codes 12 to 14
These codes are started by a single flash of the indicator light, followed by a two-second pause. After the pause, the light will flash the number of times that corresponds to the second digit of the code. Code 12 (single flash, pause, two flashes) means that there is a lost battery feed. Code 13 (single flash, pause, three flashes) means that the airbag circuit has shorted to ground and Code 14 (single flash, pause, four flashes) means that the primary crash sensor circuit has shorted to ground.
Codes 21 to 24
These codes are signaled by two flashes, a two-second pause and the number of flashes that corresponds to the second digit. Code 21 (double flash, pause, one flash) means the diagnostic monitor is not mounted properly. Code 22 (double flash, pause, two flashes) means the safing center output circuit has shorted to battery voltage, Code 23 (double flash, pause, three flashes) means the memory clear circuit is improperly grounded and Code 24 (double flash, pause, four flashes) means there is a system disarm failure or internal diagnostic monitor fault.
Codes 32 to 35
These codes are signaled by three flashes, a two-second pause and the number of flashes that corresponds to the second digit. Code 32 (triple flash, pause, two flashes) means the driver side airbag has a circuit open or with high resistance, Code 33 (triple flash, pause, two flashes) means the passenger side airbag has a circuit open or with high resistance, Code 34 (triple flash, pause, four flashes) means the driver side airbag has a shorted circuit or one with low resistance and Code 35 (triple flash, pause, five flashes) means the passenger side airbag has a shorted circuit or one with low resistance.
Codes 41 to 45
These codes are signaled by four flashes, a two-second pause and the number of flashes that corresponds to the second digit. Code 41 (four flashes, pause, one flash) means the right radiator primary crash sensor feed/return circuit is open, Code 42 (four flashes, pause, two flashes) means the left radiator primary crash sensor feed/return circuit is open, Code 44 (four flashes, pause, four flashes) means the right radiator crash sensor is not mounted properly and Code 45 (four flashes, pause, five flashes) means the left radiator crash sensor is not mounted properly.
Codes 51 to 53
These codes are signaled by five flashes, a two-second pause and the number of flashes that corresponds to the second digit. Code 51 (five flashes, pause, one flash) means the airbag diagnostic monitor's internal fuse is blown, Code 52 (five flashes, pause, two flashes) means the back-up power supply has had a voltage boost fault and Code 53 (five flashes, pause, three flashes) means the front crash sensor has high resistance or the diagnostic monitor has failed.
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