Airbag control unit with part number 97FG-14B056-DD

What does the airbag control unit 97FG-14B056-DD do?

The airbag control unit 97FG-14B056-DD controls the restraint system (SRS) in the vehicle of the make Ford. It evaluates the crash sensors and decides in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The decision has to be made in fractions of a second, which is why the electronics of the unit are on standby continuously. During operation it also monitors the wiring and the triggers and shows faults via the instrument cluster.

After an accident it stores crash data and then locks itself.

Why does the control unit 97FG-14B056-DD fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes that come into consideration are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains stored, and a usual diagnostic tool cannot remove it. As long as it is there, the fault messages cannot be remedied by reading out alone.

Aged components, cold solder joints and corrosion are among the causes that are difficult to recognise from outside. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, can additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 97FG-14B056-DD is defective?

The airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently in the instrument cluster. Fault messages, a missing contact to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared also indicate a defect.

The diagnostic tool then cannot find the control unit, because the communication is disturbed. Even if the light appears only briefly, have the cause clarified.

In an emergency the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy. Do not ignore this warning from the indicator light.

Which vehicles is the 97FG-14B056-DD fitted in?

First check whether your vehicle matches this assignment. The 97FG-14B056-DD is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Puma ’98 (1997-2001).

The following overview lists the vehicles for which this control unit is recorded:

• Ford Puma ’98 (1997-2001)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only tells you that you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, because only the record shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

How does the repair of the 97FG-14B056-DD work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit only then and create a repair order online. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Pack the unit well and send it in. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, clears the stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Afterwards your own control unit is returned 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 97FG-14B056-DD get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.