airbag diagnostic module
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 198
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From: Arizona
airbag diagnostic module
I have a quick question for the more knowledgeable people here. I have a 95 f150 with the 4.9. It has driver airbag only, no passenger.
I recently had an issue with the clockspring going bad and had it replaced. (My wife convinced me to have the mechanic do it since she was worried about me "blowing my face off"). Now, the airbag light is indicating code 51, which means there was a short but it's gone now (presumably because I had the clockspring replaced). According to the manual, it also means the fuse in the airbag diagnostic monitor is gone and the whole unit needs to be replaced-- and it looks like the part costs about $270.
IfI took it to the mechanic to do it, I'd easily pay another $50 in labor bringing the total to over $500 just for this one issue.
I am thinking about going to the junkyard, getting a module there and replacing it myself. Of course, I have no guarantee that one will be good, but if I could save $200+, that's a risk I am willing to take. A risk I'm NOT willing to take is the thing blowing the airbag on me and having to suffer "you should have taken it to the mechanic again" for the forseeable future, and/or the thing not working when needed.
So, does anyone know:
-are the modules interchangeable from year to year, engine to engine, and passenger vs nonpassenger airbag setup or would I need to search for another 95 with a 4.9 and no passenger airbag to scavenge?
-are there any tests that can be done to this unit without the aid of vehicle power? (the junkyards usually have the battery removed so I can't use the airbag light. I'm wondering if I can't just hook up a voltmeter to each side and if it's within so many ohms or whatever it's within specs).
Thanks in advance for any help, I really appreciate it!
EDIT: I found this link: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/ar...ag%20Module%3F
It seems possible to repair this fuse-- but everywhere else I have read says specifically that this unit is NOT serviceable.
The cheap and the safety-minded parts of me are having a war! Someone help one side win!
I recently had an issue with the clockspring going bad and had it replaced. (My wife convinced me to have the mechanic do it since she was worried about me "blowing my face off"). Now, the airbag light is indicating code 51, which means there was a short but it's gone now (presumably because I had the clockspring replaced). According to the manual, it also means the fuse in the airbag diagnostic monitor is gone and the whole unit needs to be replaced-- and it looks like the part costs about $270.
IfI took it to the mechanic to do it, I'd easily pay another $50 in labor bringing the total to over $500 just for this one issue.
I am thinking about going to the junkyard, getting a module there and replacing it myself. Of course, I have no guarantee that one will be good, but if I could save $200+, that's a risk I am willing to take. A risk I'm NOT willing to take is the thing blowing the airbag on me and having to suffer "you should have taken it to the mechanic again" for the forseeable future, and/or the thing not working when needed.
So, does anyone know:
-are the modules interchangeable from year to year, engine to engine, and passenger vs nonpassenger airbag setup or would I need to search for another 95 with a 4.9 and no passenger airbag to scavenge?
-are there any tests that can be done to this unit without the aid of vehicle power? (the junkyards usually have the battery removed so I can't use the airbag light. I'm wondering if I can't just hook up a voltmeter to each side and if it's within so many ohms or whatever it's within specs).
Thanks in advance for any help, I really appreciate it!
EDIT: I found this link: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/ar...ag%20Module%3F
It seems possible to repair this fuse-- but everywhere else I have read says specifically that this unit is NOT serviceable.
The cheap and the safety-minded parts of me are having a war! Someone help one side win!
Last edited by Clifford f150; Feb 8, 2006 at 05:09 PM. Reason: found new info
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,003
Likes: 27
From: Dover AFB DE / Harrisburg PA
The 94-96 F150s and Broncos only had a drivers side airbag. Passenger side didn't show up till the 97 restyle.
Maybe take a jump starter unit with ya to the yard to hook up and check for the light. Sorry I don't have more info for ya.
Adrianspeeder
Maybe take a jump starter unit with ya to the yard to hook up and check for the light. Sorry I don't have more info for ya.
Adrianspeeder