2002 Mondeo Ghia X, on two occasions over a few weeks I have noticed the airbag warning light flash while driving, on both occasions it was intermittent, it could have been flashing a code such as two flashes, pause, two flashes, pause though I am not sure. The first time I had just left home and stopped and restarted, all was well, the second time I also stopped and restarted which caused the light to stay on permenently, upon restarting a second time then all was well. On both occasions I had a passenger so I have checked the functioning of the passenger airbag deactiavtion system by connecting the passenger seat belt without anyone sitting on the seat and waiting for the deactivation light to illuminate, then upon illumination I have put weight on the seat at which point the deactivation light goes out, this proves that the sensors are working as well as the switch in the buckle. I have checked the connections under both seats and all seems well.
Will a fault code be stored for each time the warning light has illuminiated when driving?
Any other thoughts?
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cheddar
If the code really was 2-2; then it pertains to the side airbag, driver's side, fitted in the seat backrest's outer edge.
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Thanks screwloose, I cannot be sure how many flashes there were between pauses, do you have a list of the codes so I can refer to it if it happens again?
Many thanks.
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do you have a list of the codes
Oh, yes.
They run from 12 to 54. Can't post them all on here as they're copyright. But if you can get the exact code... just ask.
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Hi Screwloose,
It flashes, 1-9, I think this indicates an issue with connections to either of the seatbelt pretentioners, can you confirm this? If it flashes with nobody in the passenger seat can I assume it is the drivers side or would it show the error even if the passenger seat is unoccupied?
Many thanks and regards.
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cheddar
Code 1-9 is for the driver's airbag circuit, including the spiral cable fitted behind the wheel and it's related wiring. It can be split into eight further sub-codes by a good scanner: i.e. bag stage 1 or 2, short to earth/pos or open-circuit/low resistance - or various permutations of those.
The most common problem on these is the spiral cable cassette breaking wires internally. Get it checked-out on a scanner and if the spiral cable is confirmed, it's not too dear and a doddle for a good tech to change.
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Aha, thanks Screwloose, the clock spring, Haynes is clear how to change this so I might DIY, will get a quote first.
The horn and other steering wheel mounted controls run through the clock spring, I would have assumed that I would have other symptoms, i.e. the cruise control or horn playing up if the clock spring was breaking down?
Many thanks and regards.
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cheddar
The clock-spring/spiral cable is only the most likely failure. The airbag ECU can detect even a flicker in the circuit that may go unnoticed by the other systems. It's still a good idea to have the exact stored code read.
If you do try changing it yourself, follow Mr Haynes' system disarming instructions - to the letter - and remember that you're working with an explosive device that can - and has - killed experienced techs. Always keep your head out of the bag's expansion zone.
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Thanks Screwloose, the clock spring seems logical in that it is intermitent. I.e. today I went up to the village and back this am and the light flashed, since then I have done a 40 min round trip, the light flashed on the way though upon starting the car to return and all of the way back it was fine over 10 miles and 20 mins.
Again many thanks.
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This was still intermitent in that I could do a four hour round trip with no probs though reverse out of the drive and get a flashing light. However it was clear that it was induced by lots of steering lock.
Had the "clock spring" replaced yesterday, all seems well - touch wood - thanks screwloose!
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cheddar
Sounds like that's what it was all right. Thanks for the update; let's hope it stays off permanently....
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