Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1996 Mercury Mystique and 1996 Ford Contour. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify Condition

Turn ignition on. Check for fault codes. If Code 24 is flashing, go to step 2). If Code 24 is not flashing, check connectors, wiring, splices and crimps for an intermittent problem. DO NOT proceed with diagnostic test unless Code 24 is flashing. Failure to do so will result in unnecessary replacement of system components.

Deactivate System

Deactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Turn ignition switch from OFF to RUN position. Measure voltage between terminal No. 3 (Black/Red wire) and 13 (Orange/Green wire) of diagnostic monitor connector. See Figure and Figure . Record this voltage as system voltage.

Measure voltage between terminal No. 3 and terminal No. 11 (White/Blue wire and 12 (Brown/White wire of diagnostic monitor connector. Using these voltage readings, and system voltage measured in step 2), determine if voltage at terminal No. 11 and 12 are within specification. See VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS (CODE 24) table. If voltage at both terminals is within specification, check Orange/Green wire between fuse block and terminal No. 13 for an intermittent open. Repair as necessary. If wiring is okay, replace diagnostic monitor. If voltage at both terminals is low, go to step 4). If voltage at terminal No. 11 is high and voltage at terminal No. 12 is low, go to step 5).

VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS (CODE 24)

Voltage At Terminal No. 11 Or 12	System Voltage
2.3	9.0
2.4	9.5
2.5	10.0
2.7	10.5
2.8	11.0
3.0	11.5
3.1	12.0
3.2	12.5
3.4	13.0
3.5	13.5
3.7	14.0
3.8	14.5
4.0	15.0
4.3	16.0
4.1	15.5

Check Wiring Harness Resistance

Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect both battery cables and diagnostic monitor. Measure resistance between terminal No. 3 (Black/Red wire) and terminal No. 11 (White/Blue wire) at diagnostic monitor Gray connector. If measured resistance is infinite, replace diagnostic monitor. If resistance is less than infinite, locate and repair short to ground in wiring harness, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, or clockspring.

Check Safing Sensor

Disconnect safing sensor. Measure resistance between Orange/Black and Brown/White wires. If resistance is more than 2 ohms, replace safing sensor. If resistance is less than 2 ohms, locate and repair open circuit in Orange/Black or Brown/White wire between safing sensor and diagnostic monitor.