Diagnosing Customer Concerns
Without Hard DTCs
WARNING: To avoid accidental
deployment, the restraints control module
(RCM) backup power supply must be
depleted. Wait at least one minute after
disconnecting the battery ground cable(s)
before commencing any repair or
adjustment to the supplemental restraint
system (SRS), or any component(s)
adjacent to the SRS sensors. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in
personal injury.
NOTE: Following the pinpoint tests when a
diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is not present, or
the air bag warning lamp is not permanently
illuminated, will result in needless replacement of
air bag system components and repeat repairs.
Speak with the customer to determine if a particular
set of conditions must be met in order for a fault to
occur. If an illuminated air bag warning lamp is
reported by the customer but is not present when
the vehicle comes in for repair, pinpoint test
diagnostics cannot be used.
Diagnosing Customer Concerns with
Hard DTCs
WARNING: Do not use substitute air bag
simulators when working on the SRS. Use
only the appropriate tool. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in personal
injury.
Most air bag system diagnostic procedures require
the use of system deactivation and system
reactivation procedures. These procedures require
the air bag module(s) and safety belt retractor
pretensioners to be disconnected from the SRS,
thereby removing the risk of air bag deployment
while diagnostics are carried out.
Air bag simulators are required to carry out
diagnosis and testing of the air bag system. The
simulator contains a resistor, used to simulate an
air bag module connection to the system. It is not
acceptable to short-circuit the air bag module
connections with a 0 ohm jumper wire. If a 0 ohm
jumper wire is used to short-circuit the air bag
module connections, an illuminated air bag warning
lamp will be displayed and a DTC logged by the
RCM.
Deactivation
WARNING: To avoid accidental
deployment, the RCM backup power supply
must be depleted. Wait at least one minute
after disconnecting the battery ground
cable(s) before commencing any repair or
adjustment to the SRS, or any
component(s) adjacent to the SRS sensors.
Failure to follow these instructions may
result in personal injury.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
REFER to: Battery Disconnect and Connect
(414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables,
General Procedures).
• Wait at least one minute for the backup power
supply in the RCM to deplete its stored energy.
WARNING: To minimize the possibility of
premature deployment, live air bag
modules must only be placed on work
benches which have been ground bonded
and with the trim cover facing up. Failure
to follow these instructions may result in
personal injury.
• Remove the driver air bag module from the
vehicle.
REFER to: Driver Air Bag Module
(501-20
Supplemental Restraint System, Removal and
Installation).
• NOTE: REFER to FordEcat for a compatible
driver air bag module wiring harness to use as
a test lead.
Connect a test driver air bag module wiring
harness to the clockspring.
• Connect the simulator (501-073A) to the driver
air bag module wiring harness in place of the
driver air bag module at the top of the steering
column.
• Remove the driver lower air bag module from
the vehicle.
• Connect the simulator (501-073A) to the wiring
harness in place of the driver lower air bag
module.
• Disconnect the passenger air bag module
electrical connector.
REFER to: Passenger Air Bag Module
(501-20
Supplemental Restraint System, Removal and
Installation).
G1055910en
501-20B-
8
Supplemental Restraint System
501-20B-
8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
201