Airbag control unit with part number 0285001396

What does the airbag control unit 0285001396 do?

The 0285001396 is the airbag control unit in the restraint system (SRS) of Ford. It continuously checks the crash sensors and firing circuits and decides within milliseconds in an accident whether to trigger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

During operation the unit monitors all components of the restraint system. If it detects a fault, it stores it in memory and lights the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The crash data remain in the memory of the control unit, regardless of how the vehicle is used afterwards.

Why does the control unit 0285001396 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after jump-starting.

Crash data come first in this list of causes, because the unit stores them after an accident and they do not disappear on their own. A diagnostic tool reaches the memory, but cannot delete the entries.

In addition, the following technical causes come into consideration:

• electronic components that age over time
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at the plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after jump-starting

How can you tell that the 0285001396 is defective?

A defect shows itself through an airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently, through an error message in the instrument cluster, through the diagnostic tool not connecting, or through a fault memory that cannot be cleared. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy in an emergency.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster is the most important warning signal. If it stays on permanently or flickers intermittently, have the vehicle checked without delay. An error message in the instrument cluster is just as much a sign as a diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection to the control unit. A fault memory that stays full even after an attempt to clear it also points to a fault.

Which vehicles is the 0285001396 fitted in?

The 0285001396 is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Focus 1 ’99 Facelift (2001-2004) and 1 ’99 (1998-2001).

The models that match this part number are shown in the following overview.

• Ford Focus 1 ’99 Facelift (2001-2004)
• Ford Focus 1 ’99 (1998-2001)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that you have the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is established only by the fault memory. Have it read out before removal.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 2M5T-14B056-DD, YS4T14B056AA, YS4T14B056BA.

How does the repair of the 0285001396 work?

Start with the fault memory readout and attach the log; only then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 0285001396. Create the repair order online before you send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 examines it on the test bench, fixes the defects, erases stored crash data and tests the function, after which the unit goes back to you.

There is no way around this order, for safety reasons.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days, counted exclusively for checking, repairing and testing.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 0285001396 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns your own unit by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel and pack the control unit shock-resistant.