Section 01-20B: Restraints, Passive, Supplemental Air Bag System
1996 F-150, F-250, Bronco Workshop Manual
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Air Bag System Component Location

  1. Front air bag sensor and bracket (14B005) — left-hand side of radiator support (16138).

  1. Right front air bag sensor and bracket (14B004) — right-hand side of radiator support support.

  1. Right rear air bag sensor and bracket (14B007) (safing sensor) — right B-pillar.

  1. Driver side air bag module (043B13) — steering wheel (3600).

  1. Air bag sliding contact (14A664) — behind steering wheel.

  1. NOTE: A thermal fuse is built into the air bag diagnostic monitor (14B056). If a short to ground should occur in the air bag deployment circuit, the microcomputer in the air bag diagnostic monitor will send a signal to the fuse causing it to open. The open fuse removes all firing power (battery/backup power) from the deployment circuits. This prevents unwanted air bag deployments due to damaged vehicle wiring.

    NOTE: Code 51 is displayed whenever the diagnostic monitor thermal fuse is open and no other higher priority faults exist (consult Diagnostic Trouble Code Priority Table). Code 51 is normally seen after service of a Code 13 condition.

    NOTE: If a Code 51 exists and a Code 13 condition has not been serviced, this means an intermittent short-to-ground exists in the air bag deployment wiring. The intermittent short-to-ground must be located and serviced before servicing the Code 51 condition.

    NOTE: Since the thermal fuse is built into the air bag diagnostic monitor, the monitor must be replaced to service a Code 51 condition. NEVER replace the air bag diagnostic monitor without first determining the cause for the Code 51 condition. If the short-to-ground is not properly serviced, the short may reoccur, once again destroying the thermal fuse in the air bag diagnostic monitor.

    Air bag diagnostic monitor — under instrument panel (04320) left of steering column.