Airbag control unit with part number 6F23-14B321-AB

What does the airbag control unit 6F23-14B321-AB do?

The airbag control unit 6F23-14B321-AB is responsible for the restraint system (SRS) of Ford. It checks the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within fractions of a second on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system permanently.

The system consists of sensors, firing circuits and a warning display, and the control unit links these parts together. It recognises when one link of the chain no longer works correctly.

Detected faults are stored by the unit and reported via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. The lock ends only with the repair.

Why does the control unit 6F23-14B321-AB fail?

The most frequent cause is crash data that remain stored after an accident, even when no airbag has fired. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Other causes are ageing components, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remain in the unit until the repair removes them. This is the case even when the airbag has not fired, because the control unit stores them independently of the triggering.

The other causes include the ageing of the electronics, cold solder joints on the circuit board, moisture at the plug connectors and voltage spikes, which come for example from a weak battery or jump-starting. These factors can act together if the unit works in the vehicle for a long time.

How can you tell that the 6F23-14B321-AB is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently when the control unit reports a fault. In addition there are fault messages in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The warning light is the clearest indication the vehicle gives. It shows the state of the entire system and therefore deserves attention.

As long as such a fault is present, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not fire in an emergency. Therefore have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 6F23-14B321-AB fitted in?

The part number 6F23-14B321-AB is assigned to these vehicles: Ford Fiesta 6 ’02 (2001-2008).

These models are listed:

• Ford Fiesta 6 ’02 (2001-2008)

For one, compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; that only confirms you have the right unit. For another, have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the log shows whether the control unit itself is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 8V51-14B321-EE.

How does the repair of the 6F23-14B321-AB work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the unit. Next create the repair order online and send the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the crash data and then carries out a function test. Your own unit then goes back to you.

Processing at Airbag24 generally takes 3–4 working days. This time applies only to 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 6F23-14B321-AB get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.