Jim Grant's Tech Tips
Ford, Air Bag Light Flashes 52
Q:
My
air bag light on my Ford flashes a code 52 which I have been told is due
to a low battery signal. I have replaced the battery and cable but the
light still flashes 5 then 2 times when I start and then stays on. Is
there a way to reset this or is it a Dealer thing?
-
Larry W.
A:
Sorry
to say, you're servicing the wrong battery . In fact, it isn't even a
battery it is a capacitor that is located inside the air bag's diagnostic
monitor (AKA computer). When you turn the ignition switch on the air bag
computer monitors the voltage at this capacitor. Within about 45 seconds
there has to be about 23 volts (yes 23 volts) present. In the air bag
computer there is a voltage boost circuit that provides the extra kick
to turn the voltage up to that level. The capacitor is a storage device
or back-up power supply for the air bag system. If the voltage doesn't
reach the correct level the air bag warning light will flash code 52 to
alert you that the air bag system is not operating correctly. To find
the cause for the failure or bad part will require some diagnostic time.
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