Section I - Initial Verification, Inspection and Diagnosis

1. Verify DTC 32 is present by cycling the ignition switch.

2. Cycle all electrical functions in the steering column to verify they function normally (i.e., speed control, wipers, etc.).

3. Disconnect negative battery cable, wait 1 minute for the backup power supply to be depleted.

4. Remove air bag module from the steering wheel using procedures detailed in the 1994 Escort/Tracer Servite Manual, Section 01-20B.





5. Connect Ford-approved Air Bag Simulator, Rotunda 105-R0010 (Figure 1).

6. Access Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor, referring to the 1994 Escort/Tracer Service Manual, Section 01-20B.





7. Visually check if convolute tubing is present on wiring to diagnostic monitor, beginning approximately 76 mm (3") from the air bag diagnostic monitor connector (Figure 2). If tubing is not present, inspect wiring for damage and use the following procedure:

a. If wiring is not damaged, add 203-250 mm (8-10") of convolute tubing around wiring bundle to protect wire from chafing on edge of metal bracket.

b. If wiring is damaged, refer to the 1994 EscortFrracer Service Manual, Page 01-20B-10 for repair details.

8. Disconnect black connector (12-pin connector) from Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor.





9. Remove red locking wedge (shorting bar) from connector (Figure 3).

10. Using an ohmmeter which has a range going down to 0.1 ohms (100 milli-ohms), zero the ohmmeter.





11. Measure the resistance between Pin 10 and Pin 11 on Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor connector (Figure 4). If the resistance is below 3.2 ohms, go to Section II. If the resistance is 3.2 ohms or above, proceed to Step 12.

NOTE:
DUE TO THIS PROBLEM BEING INTERMITTENT, TAKE SEVERAL READINGS THROUGH THIS CIRCUIT. IF ANY OF THE READINGS ARE ABOVE 3.2 OHMS, THEN PROCEED TO STEP 12.

12. Disconnect Multi-function Switch Connector 2000 at base of steering column, referring to the 1994 Escort/Tracer Service Manual, Section 01-20B.





13. Insert Ford-approved Air Bag Simulator (Rotunda tool 105-R0010) at Multi-function Switch Connector 2000 to complete the circuit (Figure 5).

14. Measure the resistance between Pin 10 and Pin 11 on the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor connector.

15. If the value is below 2.4 ohms, proceed to Section III. If the value is 2.4 ohms or above, order Air Bag Repair Kit (F4CZ-14488-BA) to repair excessive resistance at Splice # 264. See kit Instruction Sheet # 6633 for splice location.