Airbag control unit with part number BM5T-14B321-CF

What does the airbag control unit BM5T-14B321-CF do?

The airbag control unit BM5T-14B321-CF coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in Ford vehicles. It analyses the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously.

Faults in the system are shown by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. Ongoing monitoring is one of the basic functions of the control unit.

Why does the control unit BM5T-14B321-CF fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag was triggered after the accident; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other possible causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Erasing the crash data takes place during the repair, and Airbag24 handles it there.

The other causes affect components and connections. Electronics can age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture and corrosion attack plug connections.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, can also come into consideration.

How can you tell that the BM5T-14B321-CF is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition, fault messages appear, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light is on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between diagnostic tool and control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger as long as the defect persists. For this reason the warning is to be taken seriously.

Which vehicles is the BM5T-14B321-CF fitted in?

The BM5T-14B321-CF is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Focus 3 ’11 (2010-2014) and 3 ’11 Facelift (2014-2018).

The list follows here as an overview:

• Ford Focus 3 ’11 (2010-2014)
• Ford Focus 3 ’11 Facelift (2014-2018)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only guards against a mix-up. The fault memory, which you have read out before removal, shows which cause is present.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 285011993, BM5T-14B321-CE, CM5T-14B321-CA, DM5T 14B321 SA, F1ET-14B321-CB.

How does the repair of the BM5T-14B321-CF work?

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

Send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24 it is checked on the test bench, defective components are repaired, crash data is erased and a function test follows. Your own unit is then sent 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 BM5T-14B321-CF get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 arranges the return by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order belongs in the box, which you pack shockproof.