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

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

The airbag control unit BC24-14B321-AD evaluates the signals of the crash sensors in Ford vehicles. In an accident, it calculates within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger and then locks itself.

The unit is also active while driving and monitors the chain of sensors, firing circuits and seatbelt pretensioners. It stores any fault it detects in the fault memory and shows it to the driver via the airbag warning light.

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

The most common cause for the control unit BC24-14B321-AD is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has fired. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase this data; Airbag24 takes care of it during the repair. Other causes include aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes.

Crash data remains in the unit even if the vehicle was driven on after the accident without any visible airbag deployment.

The other causes are less clear-cut: electronic components age, solder joints can become unreliable, plug connections absorb moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, strain the electronics.

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

A defect in the BC24-14B321-AD shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lighting up permanently or intermittently, and as error messages. If the diagnostic tool cannot be connected or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this also points to a problem in the system.

The warning light is the most important warning signal the vehicle gives you. It must not be overlooked, because airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

A diagnosis in which the unit cannot be reached also counts as a sign. Have the condition checked quickly in that case.

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

The control unit BC24-14B321-AD is fitted in these vehicles: Ford E-Series 4 (2008-2020).

The following overview shows exactly which models are affected:

• Ford E-Series 4 (2008-2020)

Check whether the unit fits by using the number on the label of the removed control unit. The comparison only confirms the identity of the unit. Whether it is defective is shown only by reading out the fault memory, because a plug or cable can also be 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-AC, BC24-14B321-BB.

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

Start by reading out the fault memory, attach the log to the unit and then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit BC24-14B321-AD, create a repair order online and send it in well packed.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards, your own unit goes back to you.

Processing at Airbag24 generally takes 3–4 working days. This period covers only 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 BC24-14B321-AD get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit BC24-14B321-AD yourself as a parcel, or you choose a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns your own unit by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel. Pack the unit shock-proof so that it arrives undamaged.