Airbag control unit with part number CT43-14B321-AC

What does the airbag control unit CT43-14B321-AC do?

The airbag control unit CT43-14B321-AC belongs to the restraint system (SRS) of Ford and coordinates its airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. It receives the readings of the crash sensors, decides in a crash on triggering, and monitors the system constantly. It indicates detected faults via the airbag warning light.

The triggering decision must not be delayed, so the evaluation runs in the background without interruption. The sensor values are compared with stored limit values.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit CT43-14B321-AC fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag has triggered. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes may also be involved.

Crash data remains in the unit after an accident, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. This is why the fault does not disappear on its own.

The other causes involve electronics that age over the years, solder joints that go cold, and moisture or corrosion at the plugs. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, also stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the CT43-14B321-AC is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Error messages, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared are added to this.

The warning light is the first link in the chain: it reports a fault in the restraint system as soon as the control unit detects it. The instrument cluster also displays error messages, and the diagnostic tool cannot find the control unit. The fault memory remains even after an attempt to clear it.

In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency, so you should have the finding checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the CT43-14B321-AC fitted in?

The assignment applies to Ford. The control unit CT43-14B321-AC is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Edge 1 Facelift (2010-2015).

The assignment covers the following vehicles:

• Ford Edge 1 Facelift (2010-2015)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only clarifies whether it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because the log shows whether the control unit is defective or a cable or plug 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 CT43-14B321-AC work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit well packed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces components where necessary, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing at Airbag24 generally takes 3–4 working days. The repaired 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 CT43-14B321-AC get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 also returns the unit to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit so that it withstands impacts.