FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Diagnostic Routine AL




Diagnostic Routine AL

Diagnostic Overview

U0253:00

The RCM (Restraints Control Module) uses information contained in messages from the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) sent on the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions






Pinpoint Test

WARNING: Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the RCM (Restraints Control Module) while the RCM (Restraints Control Module) is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of the Safety Canopy(R) and cause serious personal injury or death.

NOTE: Most faults are due to connector and/or wiring concerns. Carry out a thorough inspection and verification before proceeding with the pinpoint test.

NOTE: SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components should only be disconnected or reconnected when instructed to do so within a pinpoint test step. Failure to follow this instruction may result in incorrect diagnosis of the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).

NOTE: Always make sure the correct SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) component is being installed. Parts released for other vehicles may not be compatible even if they appear physically similar. Check the part number listed in Ford Catalog Advantage(TM) or equivalent to make sure the correct component is being installed. If an incorrect SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) component is installed, DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) may set.

NOTE: The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

1. CHECK THE COMMUNICATION NETWORK

1. Ignition ON.

2. Using a scan tool, carry out the network test.

Does the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) pass the network test?








2. CHECK THE RCM (Restraints Control Module) CMDTCs (Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes)

1. Ignition ON.

2. Using a scan tool, perform RCM (Restraints Control Module) self-test to retrieve DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).

3. Clear the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).

4. Wait 10 seconds.

5. Repeat the RCM (Restraints Control Module) self-test.

Is DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) U0253:00 retrieved again?








3. RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) FROM THE RCM (Restraints Control Module) SELF-TEST

1. Check for recorded DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) from the RCM (Restraints Control Module) self-test.

Is DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) U3003:16 or U3003:17 recorded?








4. RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) FROM THE APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) SELF-TEST

1. Check for recorded DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) from the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) self-test.

Is DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) U3003:16 or U3003:17 recorded?








5. CHECK FOR DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) U0253:00 SET IN OTHER MODULES

1. Ignition ON.

2. Using the scan tool, perform the self-test for all modules.

3. Retrieve the CMDTCs (Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes) from all modules.

Is DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) U0253:00 set in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) or the ACM (Audio Control Module)?