Airbag control unit with part number PZ3T-14B321-AE

What does the airbag control unit PZ3T-14B321-AE do?

The PZ3T-14B321-AE is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Ford. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in the event of an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It also monitors the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

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

The unit is one of the safety-relevant components in the vehicle.

The warning light in the instrument cluster is the visible sign that the control unit has detected a fault.

Why does the control unit PZ3T-14B321-AE fail?

The most common cause with the PZ3T-14B321-AE is that crash data has been stored after an accident, even if no airbag has been triggered. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start. With this control unit, the crash data often cannot be erased; if you would like it erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase this crash data.

Aged electronic components and cold solder joints can cause a failure just as moisture and corrosion at the plug connectors can.

How can you tell that the PZ3T-14B321-AE is defective?

A defect in the PZ3T-14B321-AE shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lighting up permanently or intermittently, as well as a fault message in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be erased. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

A light that comes on only intermittently still indicates a fault, so do not ignore it.

Have the fault memory read out as soon as the light attracts your attention.

Which vehicles is the PZ3T-14B321-AE fitted in?

The control unit PZ3T-14B321-AE is fitted in these vehicles: Ford Transit 7 ’14 (from 2014).

The vehicles for which this part number is on record are listed here:

• Ford Transit 7 ’14 (from 2014)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only its result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause. Check every digit of the number, including the letters at the end.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers BK2T-14B321-BE, BK2T-14B321-BF, BK3T-14B321-AB, BK3T-14B321-AC, BK3T-14B321-AD, BK3T-14B321-BB.

How does the repair of the PZ3T-14B321-AE work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log; then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the PZ3T-14B321-AE in, well packed. Inspection, repair and testing at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

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

If you would like the crash data erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

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 PZ3T-14B321-AE get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit PZ3T-14B321-AE in as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.

Pad the unit so that it does not shift in the box.