Airbag control unit with part number FJ5T-14B321-AA

What does the airbag control unit FJ5T-14B321-AA do?

The airbag control unit FJ5T-14B321-AA forms the central switching hub of the SRS restraint system at Ford. From the signals of the crash sensors it calculates whether and which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners must fire in an accident, within a few milliseconds.

During normal driving it tests and monitors all connected components. If it finds a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident it writes crash data to its memory and then locks itself. The lock is only lifted by the repair.

Why does the control unit FJ5T-14B321-AA fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an earlier accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, as well as voltage spikes, are also possible.

Crash data stay in the unit, because the control unit stores them after an accident. They can be present even when the airbags did not deploy.

The other causes tend to develop gradually: electronic components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion attacks the contacts. Voltage spikes are added to this, for example from a weak battery or when jump-starting.

How can you tell that the FJ5T-14B321-AA is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or only intermittently, and through an error message in the instrument cluster. In addition, the diagnostic tool cannot communicate with the control unit, and a fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. For this reason do not ignore the warning and have the system checked.

The warning stays on for as long as the fault remains in the memory.

Which vehicles is the FJ5T-14B321-AA fitted in?

The control unit FJ5T-14B321-AA is used in these vehicles: Ford Escape 3 (2013-2019).

These models are stored for this part number:

• Ford Escape 3 (2013-2019)

Before removal you take two steps. First, compare the part number on the label with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit. Second, have the fault memory read out, because only the log shows whether the control unit or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers CJ5T-14B321-AF, CJ5T-14B321-AH, CJ5T-14B321-AJ, CJ5Z-14B321-C, GJ5Z-14B321-B.

How does the repair of the FJ5T-14B321-AA work?

First read out the fault memory and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery, and only after that remove the control unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Then create a repair order online and pack the unit well. Airbag24 tests it, repairs defective components, deletes the crash data and checks the function before your own unit is returned.

Finally 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 FJ5T-14B321-AA get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair your own unit is sent back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.