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

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

The airbag control unit DM5T-14B321-EK coordinates the airbag system of Ford. It measures via the crash sensors what happens in an accident and decides within a few milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are activated.

While driving, it monitors the components of the system continuously. It indicates a fault it detects via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, crash data is stored in the unit, and the unit locks itself.

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

The most common cause is crash data that remains in the memory after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. A standard diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Other causes concern the condition of the electronics: components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture and corrosion attack plug connections.

Excessive voltage, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, is a further possible stress.

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

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition, fault messages, connection problems with the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared become apparent.

Typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between diagnostic tool and control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In the event of such a finding, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency. Do not leave the warning light on for long; have the system checked.

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

The airbag control unit DM5T-14B321-EK 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). You can settle whether it matches your car using the label on the removed unit and the fault memory.

The overview here lists the vehicles that belong to 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 your unit with this page. That only shows you have the right unit, not what the cause is. Then have the fault memory read out, because the log 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-EK work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit; afterwards create the repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 needs 3–4 working days as a rule for the check, repair and function test.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes the crash data and tests the function. Finally, you receive your own unit back.

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-EK get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 as a well-packed parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 delivers it to your address by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit needs shockproof packaging.