Airbag control unit with part number CM5T-14B321-BA

What does the airbag control unit CM5T-14B321-BA do?

The airbag control unit CM5T-14B321-BA controls the restraint system (SRS) of Ford. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

In operation it checks the entire system. It shows faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. The following sections explain what this means for a repair.

Why does the control unit CM5T-14B321-BA fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Other possible causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be removed with a standard diagnostic tool. The other causes affect the electronics themselves and their connections to it.

Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or when jump-starting the vehicle.

How can you tell that the CM5T-14B321-BA is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool receives no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In a crash, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Typical signs are:

• warning light that stays on permanently or flickers intermittently
• message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• fault memory that cannot be emptied

If you notice any of these signs, have the fault memory read out.

Which vehicles is the CM5T-14B321-BA fitted in?

The control unit CM5T-14B321-BA is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Focus 3 ’11 (2010-2014) and 3 ’11 Facelift (2014-2018).

We have assigned the following vehicles to this part number:

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

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only shows that it is the same number. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only its result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

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 CM5T-14B321-BA work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the report. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send in the unit. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

This sequence is fixed for safety reasons. You receive your own unit back after the 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 CM5T-14B321-BA get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is handled by UPS.

The package contains the printed repair order, and the unit itself is packed shock-proof.