Airbag control unit with part number DM5T-14B321-EF

What does the airbag control unit DM5T-14B321-EF do?

The airbag control unit DM5T-14B321-EF is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Ford. It checks the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system permanently during operation. It reports faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The sensors deliver their values continuously to the control unit, which completes the evaluation in a very short time.

The monitoring runs in the background, without any need for you to intervene. Irregularities appear in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit DM5T-14B321-EF fail?

The most common cause is that crash data was stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, also play a part. On the DM5T-14B321-EF these causes may act in combination.

The crash data results from the accident and remains in the control unit until it is removed. At Airbag24 it is deleted during the repair.

Ageing components and cold solder joints worsen the function over time. Moisture and corrosion cause poor contact at the plugs, and voltage fluctuations additionally strain the electronics.

How can you tell that the DM5T-14B321-EF is defective?

A defect on the DM5T-14B321-EF shows on the airbag warning light, which stays on permanently or intermittently in the instrument cluster, through an error message in the instrument cluster, through lack of connection to the diagnostic tool, and through a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The airbag warning light is the most important indicator, because it shows the state of the system directly. It stays on permanently or intermittently as soon as something in the system is wrong.

If there are signs of this, have the system checked promptly before taking further steps.

Which vehicles is the DM5T-14B321-EF fitted in?

The control unit DM5T-14B321-EF is fitted in these vehicles: Ford C-Max 2 (2010-2015) and 2 Facelift (2015-2019); Ford Grand C-Max 2 Facelift (2015-2019) and 2 (2010-2015).

The overview of vehicles follows that Airbag24 has on record for this part number.

• Ford C-Max 2 (2010-2015)
• Ford C-Max 2 Facelift (2015-2019)
• Ford Grand C-Max 2 Facelift (2015-2019)
• Ford Grand C-Max 2 (2010-2015)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that it is the right unit. You should have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only that 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 1790083, 285001452, 285011577, AM5T-14B321-AG, DM5T 14B321 SA, DM5T-14B321-EH.

How does the repair of the DM5T-14B321-EF work?

Have the fault memory read out, enclose the log, then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit, and create a repair order online. Processing at Airbag24 takes 3–4 working days as a rule.

This sequence is prescribed for safety reasons. Pack the unit well afterwards and send it in.

At Airbag24 the unit is inspected on the test bench, defective components are replaced and stored crash data is deleted. Finally a function test follows, and then the unit is 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 DM5T-14B321-EF get to Airbag24?

For the control unit DM5T-14B321-EF there are two options: you send it in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns the unit by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel. Pack the control unit so that it withstands knocks before you send it.