Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit repair

What is a Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit?

In the Ford Explorer 5, the airbag control unit is the central unit of the restraint system (SRS): it receives the signals from the crash sensors, evaluates them within milliseconds in an accident and thereby determines which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. It also continuously monitors the condition of the whole system and shows faults via the airbag warning light.

This control unit is installed in the Ford Explorer 5 (2011 to 2019); it goes unnoticed in everyday use as long as the system works without faults and the warning light goes out again after start-up. Only when the light stays on permanently or entries relating to the restraint system appear in the fault memory does the unit come into focus.

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

Why is the Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored in the Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, corrosion from moisture at the connectors and voltage spikes may also be triggers.

The stored data cannot be removed with an ordinary diagnostic tool; the airbag warning light therefore stays on, even though nothing needs to be visibly damaged.

An accident is not strictly necessary, however. Over the years the electronic components age, solder joints lose their contact, and moisture attacks the connectors. In addition, voltage spikes put a strain on the circuits, such as those caused by a weak battery or a jump start.

A permanently lit airbag warning light, a fault memory that cannot be cleared or a diagnostic tool that cannot connect all point to a defect.

Common error codes for Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit repair

The codes for the Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit concern four areas: communication, internal faults of the control unit, the firing circuits of the airbags and stored crash data. They are read from the fault memory with a diagnostic tool.

These codes occur in this model series, among others:

• B1342 → Internal fault in the airbag control unit
• U2017 → Memory fault in the restraint system control unit
• B1231 → Crash event memory full, accident data stored
• U0151 → Communication with the control unit lost
• B0001 → Driver front airbag stage one, firing circuit interrupted
• B0002 → Driver front airbag stage two, firing circuit interrupted
• B0010 → Passenger front airbag stage one, firing circuit interrupted
• B0011 → Passenger front airbag stage two, firing circuit interrupted

Codes are read exclusively with a diagnostic tool, and a single code does not yet prove a defect in the control unit, because an airbag module, wiring or connectors may equally be behind it. Only the inspection clarifies which cause applies.

What part numbers are available for the Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit repair?

On the label of your Ford Explorer 5 airbag control unit you will find the part number, which defines the exact version. Because different numbers are found within the model series depending on equipment and year of manufacture, it is worth looking at the label.

We know the following numbers; the list is not necessarily complete:

• BB5T-14B321-AH
• DB5T-14B321-AF
• DB5T-14B321-AG
• EB5T-14B321-AA
• GB5T-14B321-AC
• HB5T-14B321-BA
• DB5T-14B321-AE
• HB5T-14B321-AA

If the number on your unit matches an entry, it is the matching unit; the comparison says no more than that. Whether a defect is present is shown by reading out the fault memory or by the inspection.

The route to repair: first have the fault memory read out, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then you create a repair order online and send in the unit. With testing, repairing and checking, it is usually ready at Airbag24 after 3–4 working days. 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.