OEM Mercury Sable Air Bag Control Module

Mercury Sable Air Bag Control Module Parts and Q&A

• Control Module
  YF1Z-14B321-EA
  Q: What is the Importance of the Air Bag Control Module in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and What Steps Should Be Taken if It Is Damaged on Mercury Sable?

  A:

  The Restraints Control Module stands as a crucial component for Air Bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) operation because its proper orientation must be preserved. A vehicle that sustained an accident which harmed the center tunnel area requires evaluation of the mounting hardware and bracket for deterioration; after discovering any form of damage the RCM must be replaced regardless of whether the air bags deployed in the accident. The RCM mounting position must be returned to its original state. Work on SRS vehicles and handle air bag modules with safety glasses in place since this practice reduces accidental deployment injuries. Memory saver devices should not be utilized to prevent personal injury occurrence. The electronic system remains sensitive to static discharge because it leads to functional breakdowns. The RCM fuse removal while the ignition switch is ON should not be considered a SRS fault since it activates the air bag warning lamp. Operational status of the SRS requires full functionality and total elimination of faults before returning the vehicle to its customer. Maintenance should start with new component installation followed by original part reinstallation to conduct another diagnostic check. First depower the system before removing the right-hand side RCM retaining bolts to take the carpet underneath the instrument panel (I/P) and position it on the right side of the center tunnel area. You can remove the RCM (14B321) when you finish detaching its electrical connectors by moving the carpet to the left side position then opening the locking clips and pushing down to pivot the connector tabs before separating the cables. Potential service owners must remove the retaining bolt before extracting the RCM. Position the RCM (14B321) in the center tunnel area before inserting the bolts and placing carpet back at the right I/P side. To install the RCM (14B321) connect its electrical connectors and secure the bolt while inserting the locking clips before placing carpet at the left I/P side. Finally, repower the system.
• SDM Module
  7G1Z-14B321-B
  Q: How should the Air Bag Control Module be serviced and what precautions must be taken on Mercury Sable?

  A:

  Service of the Air Bag Control Module requires you to check the restraints control module (RCM) and impact sensor mounting areas for deformation after a crash; restore damage to original shape but replace both RCM and sensors regardless of air bag deployment. The RCM becomes dangerous when connected and the ignition is ON so always avoid manipulating its original horizontal orientation to prevent Safety Canopy deployment leading to serious injury or death. The usage of memory saver devices will not protect against unintentional deployment failures. Electronic modules react poorly to static electricity therefore proper protection methods need implementation to prevent them from getting damaged. The installation of an improper RCM will trigger Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that cause the air bag warning indicator to illuminate when removing the correct RCM fuse during an ON ignition condition. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) demands complete operational readiness and must be free of defects when returning the vehicle to the customer. SRS repairs can be performed only with new parts unless the issue continues after which the original part should be replaced followed by a new diagnostic procedure. A new RCM needs installation according to the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) process while deactivating the SRS followed by center console removal to disconnect both RCM electrical connectors. Continue by removing the RCM bolts in three places before extracting the RCM. Installation begins by fitting the RCM into position then tightening its bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) while alphanumeric position assurance levers have enough clearance to attach the large electrical connector correctly. When an audible click sounds from the connector push you should pivot the position assurance lever to lock the connection. Complete the PMI procedure after installation of a new RCM, then repower the SRS system and reinstall the center console followed by connecting the small RCM electrical connector.