Airbag control unit with part number BC24-14B321-AC

What does the airbag control unit BC24-14B321-AC do?

The airbag control unit BC24-14B321-AC controls the restraint system (SRS) of Ford. It analyses the signals from the crash sensors and, in the event of an accident, decides within a few milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. Faults in the system are indicated via the airbag warning light.

While the vehicle is being driven, the unit continuously checks the connected components and stores any deviations as fault entries.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. This lock is only lifted by the repair.

Why does the control unit BC24-14B321-AC fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. It cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. Other possible causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the memory until it is specifically removed, regardless of how the accident happened.

The other causes mainly concern the technology itself. Components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion affect plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the BC24-14B321-AC is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up constantly or intermittently, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. In addition, a diagnostic tool may not connect to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The light indicates that something is wrong with the restraint system. If you see it, have the system checked promptly.

A fault memory that cannot be emptied even after an attempt to clear it also needs to be checked.

Which vehicles is the BC24-14B321-AC fitted in?

This information applies to vehicles of the make Ford. The airbag control unit BC24-14B321-AC is fitted in these vehicles: Ford E-Series 4 (2008-2020).

These vehicles are assigned to the control unit:

• Ford E-Series 4 (2008-2020)

A few simple checks help further. Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out in advance, because only the result 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 8C2Z-14B321-A, 9C24-14B321-BJ, AC24-14B321-BA, BC24-14B321-AB, BC24-14B321-AD, BC24-14B321-BB.

How does the repair of the BC24-14B321-AC work?

First, have the fault memory read out and include the log with the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Finally, create a repair order online and send in the carefully packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. The team then erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Afterwards, your 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 BC24-14B321-AC get to Airbag24?

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

Place the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.