1992 Airbag Module

[AeroCoupe]

Just a heads up, there is also a safing sensor in the B pillar driver side.

Excerpt from http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/airBag/airBag92.html:

The primary sensors measure the crash severity while the safing sensor confirms the crash and is used to prevent inadvertent deployments possibly caused by a malfunction in the primary crash sensor circuits or crash sensors.

 

[bicknell]

I can assure you that the safing sensor is not in the B pillar on my 1992. It's a convertible and has no B pillar!

The "backup power supply" on my 1992 is inside the diagnostic monitor, not a separate unit as shown. I believe the safing sensor is in the A pillar somewhere, not sure if that's just a convertible thing or if it is a 1992 thing.

 

[85GTStangGuy]

Looking at @AeroCoupe 's diagram, it looks like the safing sensor is actually in the rear quarter panel near the driver's door jamb, not actually in the B-pillar itself. That certainly doesn't mean yours is not where you believe it is in your car though.... could very well be a hard top-vs-vert thing, or a different-year thing, like you mentioned.

 

[AeroCoupe]

Googled that up and from what I can tell even the drop tops have them in that location.

 

[jeremyzcook82]

I appreciate the additional information. For the record, my module is alternately working and throwing a code 13, which is the RH front sensor bad. I've tested the sensors and wiring and I'm pretty sure they are fine, so I think my "repaired" module is still flakey.

I'm not sure if the Ford and Mazda operate exactly the same, but here's how I understand the Ford wiring. There is a deceleration sensor in the A-pilar, and three crash sensors across the front of the car. To set off the airbags takes the deceleration sensor closing, and then any one of the three crash sensors. The module checks all three to be sure they are open (really, 1200 ohms resistance) when the key turns on. If the car is started 3 times with a faulty sensor, it activates the resistor and blows the thermal fuse. The large capacitors down the side of the module store enough energy to set off the airbag even if the 12v system is no longer operational for a few minutes. The wiring diagram is basically capacitors -> a-pillar deceleration -> clock spring (airbag) -> module -> 3x crash sensors -> module ground.

Your warning is a good one though, having that fuse disabled would increase the chance of an errant deployment if a sensor was bad.

I'm kinda at a loss as to what to do next though. Even with the capacitors and MOV replaced there are clearly still flakey components. My board from the desert is better, but still not perfect. Both my boards show moisture under the solder mask.

Any update? I have a 1993 Cobra. I just sent mine off to airbag systems because mine was flashing code 52. Initially it flashed 44 which was the RH front crash sensor. I replaced that and then it flashed 52. Hoping to get it fixed and get it back soon. I have to get it inspected before I can get it titled. All lights have to self check. Wonder if it would be a good idea to try to find a spare module just in case?