501-20B-1 Supplemental Restraint System 501-20B-1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Diagnostic Instructions — Air Bag Diagnostic Test Modes
and Safety Belt Pretensioner Two menu options are available under the
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) diagnostic test modes:

Special Tool(s) • Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs

• On-Demand Self Test
Worldwide Diagnostic System
(WDS) Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs
418-FS317,
New Generation STAR (NGS) During vehicle operation the restraints control
Tester module (RCM) will detect and store both
418-F052, or equivalent scan intermittent and hard failure DTCs in nonvolatile
tool memory. The DTC strategy employed by the RCM
incorporates a time-out scheme for determining
The symptom chart can be used to help locate when a concern exists in the system. This requires
supplemental restraint system (SRS) concerns if no a concern to exist for up to one minute in the
diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are retrieved and system before the RCM will detect it. For the RCM
the listed symptoms are observed. Whether or not to determine that a concern no longer exists, the
the listed symptoms are observed, always carry out concern must be absent for up to one minute. The
the following: actual detection time-outs vary with each DTC.
1. Retrieve all DTCs stored in the restraints The DTCs can be retrieved with a scan tool using
control module (RCM) memory. For additional the retrieve/clear continuous DTCs option. Any
information, refer to Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs stored in the RCM will be displayed on the
DTCs in this section. scan tool along with a brief description of the DTC.
If no DTCs are present, the scan tool will display a
2. Run the On-Demand Self Test to determine SYSTEM PASSED message. This option can also
what DTCs are currently being sensed by the be used to clear DTCs from the RCM memory, as
RCM. Refer to On-Demand Self Test in this long as the concern no longer exists. Once 128 key
section. cycles have been recorded since the concern was
3. If the stored DTCs are different than the current last detected, the DTC will automatically be
DTCs, always repair the current DTCs first. removed from memory.
4. If memory displays different continuous DTCs To retrieve or clear DTCs, follow these steps:
than the On-Demand Self Test, carry out in the 1. Connect the scan tool to the data link connector
following order: (DLC).
• On-Demand Self Test 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
• Memory (Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs) 3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the
A DTC can indicate several concerns. The DTCs scan tool being used.
are to assist in system diagnosis and are not to be 4. NOTE: Before proceeding with the clearing
considered definitive. Always refer to the pinpoint operation, make note of the DTCs displayed.
test corresponding to the DTC to determine where Once cleared, DTCs cannot be retrieved.
the concern lies and to repair the concern correctly.
All continuous DTCs will be displayed on the
The SRS diagnostics can be divided into three screen.
sections:
5. Clear the DTCs. After clearing the DTCs, cycle
• diagnostic test modes the key OFF, then ON.
• PID/data monitor and record • Continuous DTCs that have been cleared
• active command modes will not reoccur as ‘‘continuous’’ in the
same key cycle. Only new DTCs which
were not present before clearing can occur
as ‘‘continuous’’ after clearing.

Copyright  2003, Ford Motor Company

Last updated: 9/1/2004 2004 Explorer/Mountaineer, 10/2003
501-20B-2 Supplemental Restraint System 501-20B-2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
On-Demand Self Test To view and flag bit-mapped DTCs, follow these
The On-Demand Self Test option is used to verify steps:
that no electrical concerns exist with the air bag 1. Connect the scan tool to the data link connector
SRS. Upon entering the self test, the restraints (DLC).
control module (RCM) will make an electrical 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
check of each electrical component in the system.
If a concern is detected, a DTC is displayed on the 3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the
scan tool with a brief description of the DTC. scan tool being used.
Concerns detected during the self test are not stored 4. Carry out an On-Demand Self Test or retrieve
in memory, unless the same concern was also continuous DTCs.
detected during normal vehicle operation. The self 5. Select the DTC and the ‘‘FLAG’’ option on the
test should always be run after any repair to verify scan tool.
that the repair was successful.
6. The scan tool will display PIDs for the DTC.
To run the On-Demand Self Test, follow these Record all flagged faults.
steps:
1. Connect the scan tool to the data link connector PID/Data Monitor and Record
(DLC). The PID/Data Monitor and Record option allows the
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. scan tool operator to read the state of several
parameter IDs (PIDs) to aid in diagnosing the
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the system. PIDs are real time measurements of
scan tool being used. parameters such as voltages, resistances, etc.,
4. The RCM will run the On-Demand Self Test calculated by the restraints control module (RCM)
and display on-demand DTCs (reflecting hard and sent to the scan tool for display. Many of the
system concerns) on the scan tool. PIDs supported by the RCM are calculated
periodically and are, therefore, not true real time
Bit-Mapped Diagnostic Trouble Codes readings.
(DTCs)
To retrieve PIDs, follow these steps:
Many of the continuous and on-demand DTCs that
can be present in the RCM are bit-mapped DTCs 1. Connect the scan tool to the data link connector
that utilize PIDs (flagged faults). Bit-mapped DTCs (DLC).
are conceptually different from the previous style of 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
DTCs. Previously, DTCs identified a specific 3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the
concern for a given component and pointed to a scan tool being used.
particular diagnostic path. In the diagnostic path,
PIDs are sometimes used to determine the root 4. Record all PIDs that are to be retrieved and
cause. Bit-mapped DTCs do not identify the specific initiate PID retrieval. PIDs are updated
concern. A bit-mapped DTC identifies the continuously on the display.
component(s) in which the concern exists. The next Active Commands
level (PIDs or flagged faults) identifies the specific
concern. Instrument Cluster Module
A scan tool must be used to view the PIDs (flagged These commands allow the technician to verify the
faults) of a bit-mapped DTC. Once a scan tool has operation of instrument cluster module components
retrieved a bit-mapped DTC, the scan tool will and sub-systems.
provide the option to ‘‘FLAG’’ that DTC. When the
option to ‘‘FLAG’’ the DTC is available, it must Restraints Control Module (RCM)
be carried out to identify the specific concern that is These commands allow the technician to verify
present. When the option to ‘‘FLAG’’ the DTC has operation of the supplemental restraint system (SRS)
been carried out, the scan tool will then display the indicator lamps.
PIDs (flagged faults) for that DTC, including the
status or state that exists (on-demand DTC) or
existed (continuous DTC).

2004 Explorer/Mountaineer, 10/2003

501-20B-3 Supplemental Restraint System 501-20B-3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Lamp Fault Codes Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
When the restraints control module (RCM) detects a While the lamp fault codes (LFCs) are an indication
system fault, it will cause the air bag indicator to of a general concern in the passive restraints
flash a coded sequence; a lamp fault code (LFC). system, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are
The code is two digits. The first digit is flashed more specific. The DTCs can be retrieved from the
with a 0.5 second interval between pulses. There is restraints control module (RCM) with a scan tool
a 2 second pause before the second digit is flashed via the data link connector (DLC).
which also has a 0.5 second interval between pulses.
There is a 5 second pause between each display of
an LFC.
Each LFC is flashed five times after which the air
bag indictor will remain lit for the remainder of the
key-on cycle. If there are multiple LFCs, each LFC
will flash in order of priority.
Restraints Control Module (RCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Table
DTC a LFC b Description Action To Take
— Continuous The Air Bag Indicator is Illuminated GO to Pinpoint Test A.
Continuously, RCM Disconnected or
Inoperative, Loss of Battery Feed, or
Loss of Signal Ground
B1231 13 Crash Data Memory Full Install a new RCM and impact sensors.
REFER to Inspection and Repair After a
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Deployment.
B1317 Continuous Battery Voltage High CHECK battery voltage; to be below 16
volts. REFER to Section 414-00.
B1318 Continuous Battery Voltage Low CHECK battery voltage; to be above 9.0
volts. REFER to Section 414-00.
B1342 12 RCM Is Faulted Install a new RCM.
B1869 NONE Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test B.
Continuous Open or Short to Ground
lamp
Secondary
air bag
warning
sounds if
another fault
is present
B1870 NONE Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short GO to Pinpoint Test C.
Secondary to Battery
air bag
warning
sounds if
another fault
is present
B1891 53 Air Bag Tone Warning Indicator Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test D.
Short to Battery
B1892 53 Air Bag Tone Warning Indicator Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test E.
Open or Shorted to Ground
B1921 14 Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground GO to Pinpoint Test F.
Circuit Open

2004 Explorer/Mountaineer, 10/2003

501-20B-4 Supplemental Restraint System 501-20B-4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Restraints Control Module (RCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Table (Continued)
DTC a LFC b Description Action To Take
B2292 33 Restraint System — Safety Belt GO to Pinpoint Test G.
Pretensioner Status (Driver Pretensioner
Circuit Fault)
B2292 34 Restraint System — Safety Belt GO to Pinpoint Test G.
Pretensioner Status (Passenger
Pretensioner Circuit Fault)
B2293 19 Restraint System — Air Bag Status GO to Pinpoint Test H.
(Driver Front Air Bag Circuit Fault)
B2293 21 Restraint System — Air Bag Status GO to Pinpoint Test H.
(Passenger Front Air Bag Circuit Fault)
B2294 24 Restraint System — Safety Canopy GO to Pinpoint Test I.
Module Status (Driver Side Safety
Canopy Circuit Fault)
B2294 25 Restraint System — Safety Canopy GO to Pinpoint Test I.
Module Status (Passenger Side Safety
Canopy Circuit Fault)
B2296 42 Restraint System — Impact Sensor Status GO to Pinpoint Test J.
(Front Impact Severity Sensor Circuit
Fault)
B2296 43 Restraint System — Impact Sensor Status GO to Pinpoint Test J.
(Driver Side Front Row Impact Sensor
Circuit Fault)
B2296 45 Restraint System — Impact Sensor Status GO to Pinpoint Test J.
(Driver Side Second Row Impact Sensor
Circuit Fault)
B2296 44 Restraint System — Impact Sensor Status GO to Pinpoint Test J.
(Passenger Side Front Row Impact
Sensor Circuit Fault)
B2296 46 Restraint System — Impact Sensor Status GO to Pinpoint Test J.
(Passenger Side Second Row Impact
Sensor Circuit Fault)
B2691 51 Driver Safety Belt Buckle Switch Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test K.
Fault
B2434 51 Driver Safety Belt Buckle Switch Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test L.
Short To Ground
B2435 51 Driver Safety Belt Buckle Switch Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test M.
Resistance Out Of Range
B2692 52 Passenger Safety Belt Buckle Switch GO to Pinpoint Test N.
Circuit Fault
B2438 52 Passenger Safety Belt Buckle Switch GO to Pinpoint Test O.
Circuit Short to Ground
B2439 52 Passenger Safety Belt Buckle Switch GO to Pinpoint Test P.
Circuit Resistance Out of Range
B2477 Continuous Module Configuration Error INSTALL a new RCM.
C1414 15 Incorrect Vehicle ID GO to Pinpoint Test Q.
C1947 49 Seat Track Position Sensor Circuit Short GO to Pinpoint Test R.
to Ground

2004 Explorer/Mountaineer, 10/2003

501-20B-5 Supplemental Restraint System 501-20B-5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Restraints Control Module (RCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Table (Continued)
DTC a LFC b Description Action To Take
C1948 49 Seat Track Position Sensor Circuit GO to Pinpoint Test S.
Resistance Out of Range
C1981 49 Seat Track Position Sensor Circuit Fault GO to Pinpoint Test T.
— — No communication with the restraints GO to Symptom Chart.
control module (RCM).
a DTC: Diagnostic trouble code, retrieved using scan tool.
b LFC: Lamp fault code, flashed on air bag indicator.
Inspection and Verification Visual Inspection Chart
1. Verify the customer concern by checking the air Mechanical Electrical
bag indicator in the instrument cluster module. • Damaged restraints • Open fuse(s)
For additional information, refer to Prove Out control module (RCM) • Damaged wiring harness
the System in this section. bracket • Loose or corroded
• Damaged front crash connectors
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of severity sensor or • Circuitry open/shorted
mechanical and electrical damage using the bracket • Damaged shorting bars
following chart. • Damaged side impact
sensor or bracket

3. If the concern is not visually evident, use the

scan tool to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) and carry out the on-demand self test.
4. If the on-demand self test is passed and no
DTCs are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart.
5. If DTCs are retrieved, refer to the Restraints
Control Module (RCM) Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) Table.

Symptom Chart

Symptom Chart
Condition Possible Sources Action
• Air bag warning indicator is • Fuse to RCM. • GO to Pinpoint Test A.
illuminated continuously • Wiring, terminals, or
connectors.
• Faulty diagnostic connector.
• RCM.
• Faulty RCM ground.
• Air bag indicator flashing • Air bag/pretensioner • REFER to DTC Table.
supplemental restraint system
(SRS) fault.
• Audible tone — DTCs • Air bag SRS system fault. • REFER to DTC Table.
retrieved
• No communication with the • Scan tool. • GO to Pinpoint Test U.
restraints control module • Data link connector (DLC).
(RCM) • RCM.
• Circuitry.
• Faulty RCM ground.

2004 Explorer/Mountaineer, 10/2003