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Airbag Code 34

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Old Jun 12, 2022 | 09:45 AM
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Airbag Code 34 - RESOLVED

Intermittent code 34. Harness checks out. Diagnostic module looks clean. No codes when using air bag simulator. I am going to leave the simulator installed for a while to confirm, but it looks to me like I need a new airbag. Seem right to y'all? Any suggestions where to source one?

Diagnostic module contaminated by high humidity causing faulty resistance reading in the ignitor circuit. Solution was a new diagnostic module.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2022 | 02:06 PM
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I vaguely remember there being a tester for the air bag in the Rotunda kit. Since you have the simulator do you also have access to the other adapter? It has been over 25 years since I was at the Ford dealer so I might be wrong about being able to test the air bag.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2022 | 02:35 PM
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The service manual only mentioned the simulator... so that was all I looked to get my paws on. The service manual and the stickers on the airbag indicate no testing of the module is advisable. None of that means your wrong, but I don't know what to look for... I will look at the service manual again.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 03:02 PM
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So, no codes with the simulator installed for a couple of weeks. New used air bag, and I get a code 34 on the first start of the day every time. The other air bag it was hit and miss on getting a code. Code only shows up on the first start of the day. If I turn it off and re-start no code.

Not sure where to go from here and am open to suggestions. Seems like the diagnostic monitor is working... All I know to do is to recheck the connections/shorting bars and check the resistance of the clock spring.

 
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 03:19 PM
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blown modules can be used to test things, according to the 96 fsm that was recommended shops keep one from impacted trucks.

I dont recall HOW they used it but you only get one salvo is what im understanding you dont want to use it on your face while diagnosing
 
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 05:15 PM
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Check post #3-->3-4 air bag light flash code - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
 
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 05:28 PM
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Clockspring?
When you say the wiring checked out?
Never saw a bad air bag (yet)
The simulators are nothing more than a real good 1.5 ohm resistor or whichever spec yours is
I sure would ohm out your airbag before sinking a grand into a new one
You will be trying to find a correct clockspring IMO after some diag
Good luck
 
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 05:29 PM
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Responding to folks.

I am deactivating and removing the air bag any time I am working on the harness.

I have the 1994 service manual, so i have the diagnostic procedure. That is why i ended up with the simulator.

The problem seems to be related to high humidity but I don't know what is happening specifically.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 05:37 PM
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From: Candy Mountain
Originally Posted by manicmechanic007
Clockspring?
When you say the wiring checked out?
Never saw a bad air bag (yet)
The simulators are nothing more than a real good 1.5 ohm resistor or whichever spec yours is
I sure would ohm out your airbag before sinking a grand into a new one
You will be trying to find a correct clockspring IMO after some diag
Good luck
A new clockspring was my first stab before really doing diagnostics. The harness checked out in that I did not find any bad connections or shorts. What I didn't do, and should have was ohm out the new clockspring.

A bad clockspring should have shown up with the simulator, I would think...
 
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Old Jun 28, 2022 | 09:45 AM
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~ Two years ago had the same dilemma with my 1995 F-150 and I had to attribute it to moisture. Changed the clock spring, cleaned everything and used compressed air. After installing new clock spring, I still had the code flashing, then after a couple of complete engine shuts downs, and driving about forty miles the code quit flashing. The clock spring, wiring connections appears to be super sensitive to moisture. What worked for me I hope will work for you as well.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2022 | 05:53 PM
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I inspected and cleaned out everything again with no luck. Code then showed up almost any start after sitting for more than a few minutes, but still went away if shut down and restarted.

The solution was a new diagnostic module. My best guess is that the module is contaminated. The new unit had more shielding than the existing unit, which was installed by a dealer many years ago. I will update if anything changes.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2022 | 06:19 AM
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Thanks for the update.
 
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