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

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

The airbag control unit 97FG-14B056-DF is the evaluation unit of the restraint system in Ford vehicles. It processes the signals from the crash sensors and triggers airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in an emergency.

The unit checks the system and its connections constantly. If it detects a fault, it stores it and indicates this with the airbag warning light.

After an accident, it creates crash data and locks itself.

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

Stored crash data from an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed. A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. In the case of the control unit 97FG-14B056-DF, aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data remains in the memory until the repair removes it. Without this step, the message persists, even if the vehicle runs without any visible problems.

The other causes are linked to age, moisture and electrical stress. Electronic components age, solder joints can be cold, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, stress the electronics.

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

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster gives the signal: it lights up permanently or intermittently. Fault messages accompany it, the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit 97FG-14B056-DF, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Typical signs are:

• Airbag warning light on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection to the diagnostic tool
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy. An inspection is therefore advisable before the vehicle is used further in everyday traffic.

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

The control unit 97FG-14B056-DF was fitted in the following Ford vehicles: Ford Fiesta 4 ’96 (1995-1999). The basis is the existing assignment to this part number.

The list of known vehicles follows:

• Ford Fiesta 4 ’96 (1995-1999)

Comparing the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms the identity of the unit. Whether the control unit is defective is only established by the fault memory. Please have it read out beforehand, because only this record shows whether the control unit itself or a connector or cable is responsible.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 285001393, 2S6T-14B056-EP, 4S6T14B056BD, 5S6T-14B056-JA, 94FG14B056BA, YS6T-14B056-BC.

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

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the unit. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 97FG-14B056-DF. Afterwards, create a repair order online and pack the unit well for shipping.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Finally, the unit goes back to you.

At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days. This period concerns only the work in the workshop.

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-DF get to Airbag24?

The control unit 97FG-14B056-DF comes to Airbag24 as a parcel, or alternatively a UPS driver collects it for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends it back by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel. Pack the unit so securely that nothing gets damaged.