Airbag control unit with part number H1ET-14B321-DC

What does the airbag control unit H1ET-14B321-DC do?

The airbag control unit H1ET-14B321-DC is the switching centre of the restraint system of Ford. It processes the data from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident about airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors all components continuously. It shows detected faults at the airbag warning light.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit connects the components of the system and assesses their states, so the safety of the system depends on it.

Why does the control unit H1ET-14B321-DC fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag was deployed in the accident. They cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. In addition, the following causes come into consideration:

• wear of electronic components
• solder joints that weaken over time
• corrosion and moisture at plugs
• voltage spikes, for example when starting or during a jump start

The crash data is created in the control unit as soon as it evaluates an accident event.

The other causes affect the electronics over their service life and the connections where moisture causes problems.

How can you tell that the H1ET-14B321-DC is defective?

The airbag warning light stays on permanently or lights up from time to time in the instrument cluster, and a fault message may appear there. The diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in the event of a defect. That is exactly why it is worth not ignoring the warning.

The warning light shows the fault immediately.

Which vehicles is the H1ET-14B321-DC fitted in?

The H1ET-14B321-DC is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Focus 3 ’11 (2010-2014) and 3 ’11 Facelift (2014-2018).

The vehicles that belong to this part number are listed here:

• Ford Focus 3 ’11 (2010-2014)
• Ford Focus 3 ’11 Facelift (2014-2018)

Comparing the number on the label of the removed unit with this page gives certainty about the unit, but not about the cause. Therefore have the fault memory read out before sending it in. Only this 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 285011993, BM5T-14B321-CE, CM5T-14B321-CA, DM5T 14B321 SA, F1ET-14B321-CB.

How does the repair of the H1ET-14B321-DC work?

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

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

Processing usually takes 3–4 working days. This period covers only the checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24.

The order is fixed for safety reasons. 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 H1ET-14B321-DC get to Airbag24?

Either you send the unit yourself as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is to be packed shock-resistant.