Air Bag Warning Lamp - Incorrect Code 24 Diagnosis

Article No.
95-22-8

11/06/95

AIR BAG WARNING LAMP - INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS OF AIR BAG CODE 24 - SERVICE TIP

FORD:
1994-95 MUSTANG
1995 CROWN VICTORIA

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1995 CONTINENTAL, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR

LIGHT TRUCK:
1995 EXPLORER, RANGER, WINDSTAR

ISSUE:
The air bag monitor may display a false Code 24 when performing routine diagnosis on the air bag system. A false Code 24 may be misleading and result in improper air bag system repair.

ACTION:
Refer to the following Service Procedure to determine if a Code 24 in the air bag system is false.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Before servicing a vehicle for a Fault Code 24, confirm that Code 24 is appropriate. The monitor can display Code 24 with no condition present when using the normal code retrieval method. When the vehicle exhibits an air bag Fault Code 24, the "Double Key Cycle" method must be used in place of the normal "Key ON" cycle used in normal diagnostics. If Fault Code 24 is retrieved, but goes away when using the "Double Key Cycle" retrieval method, the "Double Key Cycle" method must be used to suppress Code 24 throughout the diagnosis for all codes until Code 24 is cleared from memory.

THE "DOUBLE KEY CYCLE" METHOD

1. Turn the ignition on for at least 45 seconds.

2. Turn the ignition off for 2-6 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition on and record the code/codes displayed.

4. Refer to the following listing for servicing the displayed code/codes.

CODE 24

1. If resistance-to-ground of any of the crash sensors is found, repair the cause of the resistance.

2. If resistance-to-ground is infinite on all crash sensors, replace the air bag monitor.

CODES 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 44 OR 45

1. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for service details for each of the codes.

2. Each time a code is checked, the "Double Key Cycle" method may be needed to suppress the false Code 24 in order to obtain the next code.

CODES 52 THROUGH 85

1. Clear all codes using the following steps. All codes in memory should be cleared one after another without cycling the ignition.

2. Turn the ignition on.

3. Wait for code to flash out 1 or 2 times.

4. Short the memory clear connector pins (631 T/R and 57 BK) together.

5. Wait for the monitor to "beep" 5 times. This will occur in about 5 seconds.

6. Remove the short from the clear connectors immediately after the "beeps".

7. If another code above 50 starts to flash, repeat Steps 3-7. If no more codes flash, turn the ignition off.

NO CODES

1. Clear all codes using the following steps. All codes in memory should be cleared one after another without cycling the ignition.

2. Turn the ignition on for at least 45 seconds.

3. Short the memory clear connector pins (631 T/R and 57 BK) together.

4. Turn the ignition off for 2-6 seconds.

5. Turn ignition on.

6. Wait for prove out light to go off.

7. Within 2 seconds of the prove out light going off, remove the short from the clear connectors (monitor may "beep" 3 times).

8. Wait for code to flash out 1 or 2 times.

9. Short the memory clear connector pins (631 T/R and 57 BK) together.

10. Wait for the monitor to "beep" 5 times. This will occur in about 5 seconds.

11. Remove the short from the clear connectors immediately after the "beeps".

12. If another code above 50 starts to flash, repeat Steps 8-12. If no more codes flash, turn the ignition off.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 104000, 206000