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

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

The airbag control unit CJ5T-14B321-AJ coordinates the SRS restraint system in Ford. It processes the crash sensor data and, in an accident, determines within fractions of a second which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

In everyday use the unit is unobtrusive, but it continuously monitors its surroundings. The power supply, sensors and firing circuits remain under watch.

Faults are stored and shown via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

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

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without an airbag having deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes are listed individually:

• ageing electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

The crash data remains in memory until Airbag24 removes it during the repair. The vehicle itself can carry on running normally in the meantime.

The other causes often develop slowly, as components and contacts gradually change.

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

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, a fault message appears, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be reset.

The warning light gives the clearest indication. It may burn permanently or come on only intermittently, and in both cases a check is advisable.

A fault message in the instrument cluster and the missing diagnostic signal confirm the finding. A fault memory that cannot be reset is part of this as well.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy.

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

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

The list of vehicles that Airbag24 has assigned to this part number follows.

• Ford Escape 3 (2013-2019)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only establishes whether it is the correct unit.

Have the fault memory read out before removal. Only then does it become clear 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-AH, CJ5Z-14B321-C, FJ5T-14B321-AA, GJ5Z-14B321-B.

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

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit CJ5T-14B321-AJ. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. The unit then comes back to you.

The removal only takes place after the battery has been disconnected. This order is binding.

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-AJ get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or, for a UPS collection for an extra charge, book one. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shockproof.