Have been struggling with an airbag code 34 (high resistance or an actual loss of connection in the circuit running to the driver's airbag) on my 2003 Ford Expedition FX4.

What I have tried:
- Replaced clock spring $260 (still get code 34).

- Made 2 Ohm resistor jumpers and plugged them into the 2 air bag connectors black and gray on the steering wheel (air bag removed). Jumpers read 2.2 ohms of resistance. I used cut sewing needles for pins and soldered the resistors inline between the pins so I know that the system is getting a solid 2.2 ohms of resistance. I checked at the connector that comes from the dash to the clock spring connection and get a solid 2.2 ohms on both connections. Still get code 34. With no jumpers or airbag installed I get code 19 (Circuit Problem). Reinstall the jumpers or airbag and get code 34. Installed the jumpers in the connector from the dash to the clock spring and get code 34.

- Pulled the dash apart, unbundled the wires and everything looks good. I assume that the 4 wires coming from the airbag through the clock spring go to the airbag control module as the next connection point. Of course I have no idea where that is mounted. That is the only piece I have not checked. But, with the code 19 showing up with nothing connected and getting code 34 with the jumpers or air bag connected, I assume that the control module is working.

- I saw somewhere that the control module holds/displays error codes for up to 250 starts/tests so after installing the new clock spring I turned the key and waited for the initial airbag light to go out (6 seconds) 250+ times and still get code 34. Seeing that I only get code 19 when the airbag or jumpers are disconnected tells me that code 34 should clear if everything is correct without having to do the 250+key turns. I tried for the hell of it.

So, any ideas? DO I have to find the dreaded airbag control module that is buried somewhere? It is not located in the same spot as an F-150, completely different console and dash layout. Very little information online about the system on the internet.

I use this Expedition just to tow my boat 10 miles or so a few times a month. Really don't want to break down and spend $30k plus on a used truck just for an occasional short tow. I am in Virginia and can't get the Expedition inspected unless the airbag system initial light comes on during diagnostic checks and then extinguishes after 6 seconds with no codes. I launch and recover my boat on a military base and they wont let you on with an expired safety inspection. I was also pulled over and given a warning for expired safety inspection a few weeks ago so not going to push my luck.

Any information/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Don't know what the problem is, but I looked it up, Ford calls it a "restraints control module". They say it's under the center console. I will attach a picture of it. I wonder if you can get 2.2 ohms at the module connector?

 

Thanks for the pic. I guess I will be tearing out the center console. This is a good diagram. Looks like the airbag wires run along the drivers side. I couldn't figure that out when I opened the bundle in the dash. This is a big help.