Airbag control unit with part number 5F23-14B321-BC

What does the airbag control unit 5F23-14B321-BC do?

The airbag control unit 5F23-14B321-BC is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Ford. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in the event of an accident within milliseconds whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. Reported faults are indicated via the airbag warning light.

Why does the control unit 5F23-14B321-BC fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair. Other causes include aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion on plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

Which of these causes actually applies is only shown by an examination of the unit.

How can you tell that the 5F23-14B321-BC is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool does not get a connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. If such signs appear, the 5F23-14B321-BC should be checked.

The warning light is the first signal: if it stays on or keeps coming back on, the system has detected a fault. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Which vehicles is the 5F23-14B321-BC fitted in?

Check whether your vehicle is compatible using the vehicle registration document. The control unit 5F23-14B321-BC is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Freestar 1 (2004-2007).

The list shows the vehicles that Airbag24 has recorded for this part number.

• Ford Freestar 1 (2004-2007)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, as only this shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 4F23-14B321-BE, 5F23-14B321-AC.

How does the repair of the 5F23-14B321-BC work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 5F23-14B321-BC. Next, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the crash data and carries out a functional test.

For checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24, 3–4 working days are usually required. The unit then goes back to you.

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 5F23-14B321-BC get to Airbag24?

You send in the 5F23-14B321-BC as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns the unit via UPS.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit securely to withstand impact.