Airbag control unit with part number BT43-14B321-AD

What does the airbag control unit BT43-14B321-AD do?

The airbag control unit BT43-14B321-AD coordinates the restraint system (SRS) for Ford. In a crash it decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and then monitors the system continuously.

If it detects a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. Only the repair lifts the lock.

Why does the control unit BT43-14B321-AD fail?

With the BT43-14B321-AD, failure can result from crash data left in the unit after an accident, even without a deployed airbag. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it.

The other triggers are less obvious. Electronics change with age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion affects plug connections.

Voltage spikes also belong here, for example when the battery is weak or a vehicle is started with a jump start.

How can you tell that the BT43-14B321-AD is defective?

On the BT43-14B321-AD, a defect can show as an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster that stays on permanently or intermittently. Added to that are a fault message, no connection being established by the diagnostic tool, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The light is a clear signal that the system has detected a deviation, and it should not be left unattended for long. It is also important that airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger in an emergency.

If the diagnostic tool makes no contact with the control unit at all, a check of the entire system is also worthwhile.

Which vehicles is the BT43-14B321-AD fitted in?

The control unit BT43-14B321-AD is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Edge 1 Facelift (2010-2015). This information applies to Ford and is based on the stored part number.

The vehicle list follows directly below.

• Ford Edge 1 Facelift (2010-2015)

Before removing the unit, have the fault memory read out so that the finding is clear. Then compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this information.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 7T4Z-14B321-BJ, 9T4Z-78043B13AB, CT4Z-14B321-A, F2GT-14B321-AC.

How does the repair of the BT43-14B321-AD work?

You read out the fault memory, remove the control unit BT43-14B321-AD and then submit the repair order online. At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days.

Before removal, disconnect the battery. Enclose the fault memory log in the parcel and pack the unit well.

On the test bench, Airbag24 examines the unit, repairs defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test.

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 BT43-14B321-AD get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit BT43-14B321-AD yourself or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings the unit back from Airbag24.

Well packed, with the repair order in the carton, the control unit is on its way safely.