Airbag code 52
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Airbag code 52
I have a 98 F-150 with a code 52 airbag flashing on the instrument pannel. It flashes a few times then stays on. This started after by battery went dead and I took it out and got a new one to replaced it a couple of days later. It went dead as a result of a problem when the heater blower stayed on over night with the ignition turned off. I think I solved the blower problem. Is this flashing a result of having the battery out of the truck so long or do I have an additional problem? In any case, how do I fix it?
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Here's what I found out. Looks like the problem isn't the battery but it is a capacitor that is located inside the air bag's diagnostic monitor. Somehow with having the battery problem this capacitor in the air bag system isn't getting charged. When you turn the ignition switch on the air bag computer monitors the voltage at this capacitor. Within about 45 seconds there has to be about 23 volts present. In the air bag computer there is a voltage boost circuit that provides the extra kick to turn the voltage up to that level. The capacitor is a storage device or back-up power supply for the air bag system. If the voltage doesn't reach the correct level the air bag warning light will flash code 52 to alert you that the air bag system is not operating correctly. To find the cause for the failure or bad part will require some diagnostic time.
John
John
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Thanks for the information. I pulled the ignition switch and it checked out ok and also checked fuses. It looks like I will have to take the truck to either a dealer or electrical shop since my aftermarket manual dose not have any thouble shooting procedures or wireing diagrams for airbag circuits. Anything else I can check befor giving up?
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 495
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Other than pulling the airbag module and then troubleshooting the capacitor located inside I don't know what else you can do. Also, you need a board schematic to know what capacitor is involved. Chances of finding that schematic are slim and none and slim just left town. You might check a bone yard to see what they wan't for that module and go from there. Guaranteed it is going to cost you at least 2 hours of shop time to find the problem and then probably will require replacement of the module. My guess is you are looking at $500+ at the dealer. Bone yard probably cost you less than $100 and they will guarantee the module is good.
John
John
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