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

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

The airbag control unit BT43-14B321-AF is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Ford vehicles. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds about triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit reports faults in the system via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. Monitoring runs in the background.

For the occupants, what matters is that this control unit works reliably in an emergency.

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

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the unit after the accident and cannot be removed by usual means.

Ageing components, cold solder joints, and moisture and corrosion at the plug connections can affect the function. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or a jump start.

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

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The warning light shows the defect, and it is the signal you will notice first.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger. A check is therefore worthwhile without delay.

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

The airbag control unit BT43-14B321-AF is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Edge 1 Facelift (2010-2015).

The vehicles for this part number are listed below:

• Ford Edge 1 Facelift (2010-2015)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand as well, because only this 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 7T4Z-14B321-BJ, 9T4Z-78043B13AB, CT4Z-14B321-A, F2GT-14B321-AC.

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

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit BT43-14B321-AF. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Inspection, repair and functional testing at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a functional test.

Your own unit is then 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 BT43-14B321-AF get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit BT43-14B321-AF as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and you pack the unit securely against impact.