Airbag control unit with part number CJ5T-14B321-AH

What does the airbag control unit CJ5T-14B321-AH do?

The airbag control unit CJ5T-14B321-AH is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Ford. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

While driving, the unit continuously monitors sensors, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and the wiring between them. If it detects a fault, it creates a fault entry that a diagnostic tool can read out.

After a crash, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. The lock is only lifted by the repair.

Why does the control unit CJ5T-14B321-AH fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase this data. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The entries are held in memory even when nothing can be seen from the outside. A component can hardly be judged from the outside, so a check on the test bench is the reliable way to find out.

Airbag24 erases the crash data as part of the repair. The remaining causes are checked individually during the inspection and repaired where necessary.

How can you tell that the CJ5T-14B321-AH is defective?

A fault shows mainly through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently. Other signs are fault messages on the display and problems reading out the fault memory.

These signs can occur individually or together:

• The airbag warning light stays on permanently or keeps coming on again and again.
• An airbag system fault message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection with the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. A prompt check is therefore worthwhile as soon as the light comes on.

Which vehicles is the CJ5T-14B321-AH fitted in?

The airbag control unit CJ5T-14B321-AH is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Escape 3 (2013-2019).

The vehicles in detail:

• Ford Escape 3 (2013-2019)

Before you send the unit in, it helps to take the following steps: compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that you have the right unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read out, 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 CJ5T-14B321-AF, CJ5T-14B321-AJ, CJ5Z-14B321-C, FJ5T-14B321-AA, GJ5Z-14B321-B.

How does the repair of the CJ5T-14B321-AH work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the report, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 usually needs 3–4 working days for checking, repairing and testing.

The sequence is binding for safety reasons. The control unit may only be removed once reading out and disconnecting the battery have been completed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own unit is then returned to you. The 3–4 working days apply only to this work at Airbag24.

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 CJ5T-14B321-AH get to Airbag24?

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

Place the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the control unit so it is shock-proof.