Possible Causes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Mercury Mystique and 1995 Ford Contour. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Code 23 will set if there is an open circuit in wiring harness in Orange wire or Yellow/Black wire. Code 23 will also set if there is an open circuit inside safing sensor.

VERIFY CONDITION - Turn ignition on. Check for fault codes. If Code 23 is flashing, go to step 2). If Code 23 is not flashing, check connectors, wiring, splices and crimps for an intermittent problem. DO NOT proceed with diagnostic test until code is flashing. Failure to do so will result in unnecessary replacement of system components.
CHECK BATTERY CIRCUIT - Deactivate air bag system. See COMPLETE SYSTEM DEACTIVATION under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Turn ignition switch from OFF to RUN. Wait 30 seconds. Using terminal No. 3 (Black wire) as a ground, measure voltage at terminals 15 (Orange) and 23 (Yellow/Black) of diagnostic monitor connector. If voltage is 23-25 volts at both terminals, replace diagnostic monitor. If voltage is not 12-19 volts, go to step 3).
CHECK CIRCUIT CONTINUITY - Disconnect safing sensor. Measure resistance between Orange wire and Yellow/Black wire at safing sensor. If resistance is less than 2 ohms, locate and repair open in Orange wire or Yellow/Black wire. If resistance is more than one ohm, replace safing sensor.