Glossary of Terms Used While Performing Tests

GLOSSARY

Air Bag/Pretensioner Simulator
Air bag/pretensioner simulators are used to simulate the equivalent resistance of an air bag module or safety belt retractor pretensioner during certain diagnostic procedures.

Disconnect the Component
Disconnect the component means disconnect the component vehicle harness connector. It does not mean remove the component. Do not reconnect a disconnected component unless instructed to do so.

Deactivate the System
Deactivate the system means to carry out the deactivation procedure.

Prove Out the System
Prove out the system means to turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN and visually monitor the air bag indicator with the air bag modules and safety belt retractor pretensioners installed. The air bag indicator will light continuously for approximately three seconds and then turn off. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag indicator will either:
- Fail to light
- Remain lit continuously
- Flash

The flashing might not occur until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from OFF to RUN. This is the time required for the air bag control module to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag indicator is inoperative and an SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of five sets of five beeps. If this occurs, the air bag indicator will need to be repaired before diagnosis can continue.

Reactivate the System
Reactivate the system means to carry out the reactivation procedure.

Reconnect the System
Reconnect the system means to reconnect all system components.

Install a New Component
Install a new component means to remove the existing component and install a new authorized part obtained from Ford Customer Service Division.

Verify the System
Verify the system means to prove out the system with simulators installed in place of the SRS components.

Air Bag Reconnect Checklist
The checklist below should be completed following diagnosis and repair of any air bag system concern:
1. Is the air bag sliding contact connector at the base of the steering column connected?
2. Are the air bag modules connected?
3. Are the safety belt retractor pretensioners connected?
4. Is the air bag control module connected?
5. Is the vehicle battery connected?

The Symptom Chart can be used to help locate the air bag SRS concerns if no DTCs are retrieved and the listed symptoms are observed. Whether or not the listed symptoms are observed, always carry out the following:

6. Retrieve all DTCs stored in the air bag control module memory. Go to the Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs. Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs
7. Carry out the On-Demand Self-Test to determine what DTCs are currently being sensed by the air bag control module. On-Demand Self Test
8. If the stored DTCs are different than the current DTCs, always repair the current DTCs first.

A DTC can indicate several concerns. The DTCs are to assist in system diagnosis and are not to be considered definitive. Always refer to the pinpoint test corresponding to the DTC to determine where the concern lies and to repair the concern correctly.

The SRS diagnostics can be divided into three sections:
- Diagnostic test modes
- PID/data monitor and record
- Active command modes