Airbag control unit with part number AL84-14B321-AB

What does the airbag control unit AL84-14B321-AB do?

The SRS control unit AL84-14B321-AB is the control centre of the restraint system in Ford vehicles. It reads the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds whether the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire, and monitors the entire system continuously for faults.

Fault findings go into the fault memory and are displayed via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. This is a property of the design.

Why does the control unit AL84-14B321-AB 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. In addition, aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes may come into play with the AL84-14B321-AB.

The crash data stays in the memory even if the vehicle looks flawless again after the accident. Airbag24 removes it as part of the repair.

Whether the other causes apply can only be clarified by a test. A guess alone is not enough.

How can you tell that the AL84-14B321-AB is defective?

An airbag warning light that stays on permanently or flashes from time to time is among the signs on the AL84-14B321-AB, as is an error message in the instrument cluster, a missing contact with the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be emptied. Then airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster is the most important sign. It reports a fault in the restraint system and does not light up for no reason.

At start-up the system checks itself. If the light stays on afterwards, there is a fault, which the fault memory specifies in more detail.

Regardless of how the car drives, a check is then advisable.

Which vehicles is the AL84-14B321-AB fitted in?

The airbag control unit AL84-14B321-AB is found in these vehicles: Ford Escape 2 (2008-2012).

An overview of the vehicles for this part number follows.

• Ford Escape 2 (2008-2012)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; that only confirms that it is the correct unit. Then have the fault memory read out, because only this finding shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 8L84-14B321-AG, 8L84-14B321-AH, 8L84-14B321-AJ, 8L84-14B321-AK, 9L84-14B321-AJ, 9L84-14B321-AK.

How does the repair of the AL84-14B321-AB work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit AL84-14B321-AB. Online you create the repair order, then send the unit in well packed.

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Crash data is erased, and a function test completes the work. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Afterwards your own unit 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 AL84-14B321-AB get to Airbag24?

Shipping is possible in two ways: as a parcel or with a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 brings the AL84-14B321-AB back to you by UPS.

Pack the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof. Shockproof means that it cannot slip inside the box.