Section 91 (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System): Diagnostics: Self-Diagnostics

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Windstar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

During vehicle operation, the Restraints Control Module (RCM) detects and stores both intermittent and hard failure codes in non-volatile memory. The RCM will also display a 2-digit Light Flash Code (LFC) on the AIR BAG warning light. For example, a fault Code 32 will be displayed in following manner: Flash-flash-flash, one-second pause, flash-flash, 3-second pause. Cycle will repeat.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) can be retrieved with scan tool using the retrieve/clear continuous codes option. If no DTCs are present, scan tool will display SYSTEM PASSED message. Once a fault code is logged in RCM memory, it will stay in memory until 128 ignition cycles have been recorded or until scan tool is used to erase the DTCs.

The on-demand self-test can be used to verify there are no electrical faults within air bag system. During this test, RCM will check each electrical component in system. If fault is detected, DTC is displayed on scan tool with brief description of fault. Faults detected during self test are not stored in memory, unless same fault was detected during normal vehicle operation. Self test should be run after service to verify operation.

Coded fault feature is prioritized so that if 2 or more different faults occur at same time, highest priority fault indication will be shown until corrected using appropriate diagnostic test procedure.

If a system fault exists and AIR BAG warning light is malfunctioning, a series of 5 sets of 5 beeps will sound, indicating service is needed. Number of beeps does not indicate a fault code.