Airbag fualt code
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Joined: Sep 2004
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LFC 36/37 indicate Side Airbag Faults. Code 36 for driver's side, 37 for passenger side.
I know, you say, "my truck doesn't have side airbags, though!" In that case, it DOES have resistor plugs under each of the front seats to substitute for SAB seats.
First thing to check is if the plug under your passenger seat is plugged in completely and that the wiring you can see and get to is not damaged. If it looks ok, you might also check the connections at the RCM which is on the center tunnel under the dash. The wires to the side airbags/ resistors and Side Crash Sensors (if you've got SABs) are on the smaller of the two connectors.
Sometimes just fiddling with the wiring is enough to restore a weak connection at these pins (for a while.) Alternately, if you feel comfortable about it, you might try removing the pins that go to these wires from the connectors and soldering the wires to the pins. If you do this, it is a good idea to first disconnect the big connector to the RCM, and not reconnect it until after you've completed the fix and have the smaller connector circuits all complete. This helps avoid generation of any erroneous fault codes.
Ford also has an "overlay harness" available as a service fix for side airbag resistance issues. The overlay harness install would require you to pull up your carpet and interior a bit, though, as it substitutes for all the wiring going to the smaller RCM connector. You put it in and connect it to the underseat connectors (and SCSs if equipped.)
I know, you say, "my truck doesn't have side airbags, though!" In that case, it DOES have resistor plugs under each of the front seats to substitute for SAB seats.
First thing to check is if the plug under your passenger seat is plugged in completely and that the wiring you can see and get to is not damaged. If it looks ok, you might also check the connections at the RCM which is on the center tunnel under the dash. The wires to the side airbags/ resistors and Side Crash Sensors (if you've got SABs) are on the smaller of the two connectors.
Sometimes just fiddling with the wiring is enough to restore a weak connection at these pins (for a while.) Alternately, if you feel comfortable about it, you might try removing the pins that go to these wires from the connectors and soldering the wires to the pins. If you do this, it is a good idea to first disconnect the big connector to the RCM, and not reconnect it until after you've completed the fix and have the smaller connector circuits all complete. This helps avoid generation of any erroneous fault codes.
Ford also has an "overlay harness" available as a service fix for side airbag resistance issues. The overlay harness install would require you to pull up your carpet and interior a bit, though, as it substitutes for all the wiring going to the smaller RCM connector. You put it in and connect it to the underseat connectors (and SCSs if equipped.)
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia, Ontario
That was an excellent reply. I also had the 37 code. I found that due to the previous owners kids kicking the wire harness Jpmcwil was talking about caused a broken wire. Resoldered it and it was fine. It is in a real bad location for anyones feet in the back seat. Good luck.
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douglapd
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
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Jun 20, 2001 09:13 AM
