Airbag control unit with part number CN15-14B321-DE

What does the airbag control unit CN15-14B321-DE do?

The airbag control unit CN15-14B321-DE coordinates the restraint system (SRS) of Ford. It reads the sensor signals, determines in a crash within a few milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to fire, and checks the entire system continuously. It shows detected faults via the airbag warning light.

The crash sensors are distributed at various points in the vehicle and report their acceleration values to the control unit. There, it is checked whether the values match a real impact before anything is triggered.

In an accident the unit also writes crash data to its memory and then locks itself. In this way it documents the event, and that is a property that becomes important later on.

Why does the control unit CN15-14B321-DE fail?

Crash data stored after an accident is the most common cause, and this applies even when no airbag was triggered. Standard diagnostic tools do not erase it. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture or corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting can also be the cause.

Crash data is created even in accidents where nobody sees an airbag trigger. The vehicle may look undamaged from the outside, but an entry is stored in the control unit.

The other causes concern wear in the unit and at its connections. A loose plug connection can trigger a fault that resembles a defective unit.

How can you tell that the CN15-14B321-DE is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up constantly or intermittently, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. If the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this points to a fault in the CN15-14B321-DE.

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger. The light therefore shows the fault directly and must be taken seriously.

Which vehicles is the CN15-14B321-DE fitted in?

The CN15-14B321-DE is fitted in these vehicles: Ford EcoSport 2 (2012-2015).

The list below names the vehicles to which this part number is assigned.

• Ford EcoSport 2 (2012-2015)

Before you place the order, check the number on the label of the unit against this page. That only confirms that it is the right unit. The real question, whether the control unit is defective or a connector or cable is responsible, is answered by the fault memory read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers DN1T-14B321-EC, GN15-14B321-AF, GN15-14B321-GJ, GN1Z-14B321-AE, GN1Z-14B321-AK.

How does the repair of the CN15-14B321-DE work?

You read out the fault memory and keep the log. Then you disconnect the battery and only after that remove the control unit. Online, you create the repair order, and the CN15-14B321-DE is sent in well packed.

Airbag24 checks the control unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. Stored crash data is erased, followed by a function test. Plan for 3–4 working days for checking, repairing and testing; then your own unit goes back 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 CN15-14B321-DE get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings the control unit CN15-14B321-DE back. The printed repair order goes into the parcel with it.

Pack the unit shock-proof, for example in a sturdy carton with padding.