Hi - I have 1992 GT Convertible that sat for a while. I am now getting an air bag error code. The car is in the shop & if I recall it is flashing 3 - 2. Mechanic says it needs a new Clock Spring and probably a good idea to also replace the module at the same time. I can get both from a used parts place. I guess no one makes aftermarket parts for the air bags. I just wanted to be sure this is safe??? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Air bag error code & replacement parts
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
If the clock spring fixes it then there's no need to replace or repair the module. Lots of parts for the older Fox body Mustang are no longer available but aftermarket companies sometimes reproduce them. Dorman makes clock springs but not for this application. Used will be all that you can get unless you have someone maybe fix the original. I doubt anyone will risk the liability but you might be able to repair it yourself successfully.
Any automotive module like an airbag module can be fixed by sending it to a module repair service. There are many. Here's some:
Module Master - Module Rebuilds done right.
Rebuilt Modules | AES Modules | Repaired Control Modules
Car Module Repair | Auto Module Repair | Vehicle Computer Repair (autotechrescue.com)
Module Experts • Your Experts in ECU Repair & Reman
Quality Rebuilt Automotive Electronics | Automotive Scientific Inc (autoecu.com)
Any automotive module like an airbag module can be fixed by sending it to a module repair service. There are many. Here's some:
Module Master - Module Rebuilds done right.
Rebuilt Modules | AES Modules | Repaired Control Modules
Car Module Repair | Auto Module Repair | Vehicle Computer Repair (autotechrescue.com)
Module Experts • Your Experts in ECU Repair & Reman
Quality Rebuilt Automotive Electronics | Automotive Scientific Inc (autoecu.com)
Hi CobraJet67, thank you for the info really appreciated! The module was not terrible expensive but I am going to keep the original parts for sure I am having a fair problem getting parts for this poor old Mustang, so I did go with a used part from a place I got a computer from years ago & it is still going great. The mechanic called today and said now they are getting an error code of 12 so they are thinking maybe something electrical going on.
UPDATE..... now replaced the Clock Spring & Module but now getting an error code of 12. Anyone have any input??? I could really use some help! thx!
If the mechanic said that you have a trouble code then what did he say it was for exactly? "Something electrical going on" is way too vague.
I agree, however this is a suspension shop that I trust completely & since they had to open the steering wheel They replaced the clock spring & module, but they don't do auto electric. I've read it could be a fuse or the Diagnostic Module which means removing the radio etc... I am the original owner and really don't want to sell it but it is turning into a money pit
So I will probably have to find an auto electric technician
Ford OBD1 code 12: Idle Speed Control motor or Air Bypass not controlling idle properly (generally idle too low) Cannot control rpm during KOER Sell-Test high rpm check. Ford OBD/OBD2 Codes – TroubleCodes.net
thanks for the info
Joined
·
48 Posts
When my 90 came back to life after 15 years of hibernation I was getting an Air Bag code (4 I believe) it was for the Safer Module I think. In my case it is located behind the quarter panel at the door striker. When I found it I unplugged the connection, cleaned both sides with contact cleaner and reassembled. 4 years later, no issues.
For your code 12, I would look at the IAC on the side of the throttle body. I would take it off, clean it and reinstall. They can get dirt and sludge build up inside. Then do Base Idle Reset so the computer relearns what idle should be. I am not sure of your mechanical confidence or ability but this one is not hard.
For your code 12, I would look at the IAC on the side of the throttle body. I would take it off, clean it and reinstall. They can get dirt and sludge build up inside. Then do Base Idle Reset so the computer relearns what idle should be. I am not sure of your mechanical confidence or ability but this one is not hard.
So, it turns out there's also a code 12 which applies to the airbag. This is what I'm thinking is what's actually applicable here. The 10a air bag fuse being blown will cause this but something would have made that happen. The diagnostic monitor is supposedly a common problem but you already replaced that. If you have your seatbelt wiring connector disconnected or the power seat harness disconnected then you might also get a code 12. Airbag code 12 blinking | StangNet
Sometimes you just need to go thru the steps to clear the airbag codes to keep the light from coming on: Finally got rid of air bag code 12!!!! | StangNet
The monitor that you replaced may be no good too though. You'd have to test it and the wiring to it. Post #19: Airbag light code "12" | StangNet
Some causes for low monitor voltage are an open in the battery circuit that would prevent battery positive voltage from reaching the air bag diagnostic monitor, a short to ground on the battery feed circuit between the 10a fuse and the air bag diagnostic monitor, or a problem in the charging system causing battery voltage to drop below 8 volts.
thank you that is great info & I appreciate it, but I need to ask what is the IAC? My dad made me (with lots of help from him) rebuild the carburetor & change the oil on my 1965 Mustang but that is the extent of my car repairs. I know more about the mechanics than actually being able to do it, I'll plead that I'm a girl LOL. I'll consult with the mechanic pass on info, they will know what to do. Not too sure about messing with the computer, I replaced it a few years ago as I had an idiot "5.0 specialist" that messed it up and the used replacement is working great. Thanks again for the help!!!
Joined
·
48 Posts
It is called the Idle Air Control valve. It lets air bypass the throttle blade and is controlled by the computer to maintain idle. If you look at the throttle body, it is the cylinder looking thing on the right side. There is a 2 wire plug that connects to it on the bottom. There are 2 bolts to remove it from throttle body. There is a dry gasket that if careful, I have reused. Here is a link to the part on rockauto.
Flipping through the pics you see the two ports. If you can undo the two screws that connect the actuator from the valve that would ensure the cleaner doesn't damage the electrics, but I have cleaned them without removing it as well. Some brake cleaner works well to break down the sludge that can build up. A small brush to agitate things works too. What you want is the plunger and valve to move freely.
When it gets all back together a Base Idle Reset procedure should be done, basically it is a procedure that gets the computer to relearn what idle is. There are a few videos on youtube done by BREW2L that show what to do, probably from others as well.
Scroll up/down when you see that you have a reply and reread post #9 since you may have more than one reply by the time you read it. As I said in #9 if your mechanic said that you had a code 12 and it's an airbag code then that's the code that he was talking about and not the OBD1 code 12 for the IAC. There are 2 different code 12s but in different systems. Forget that I even mentioned that idle code in post #6. Your mechanic is trying to fix your airbag fault not your idle.
The 3 links in my post #9 detail the specifics of the low voltage to the airbag diagnostic monitor and the multiple causes:
Some causes for the code 12 low diagnostic monitor/module voltage are an open in the battery circuit that would prevent battery positive voltage from reaching the air bag diagnostic monitor, a short to ground on the battery feed circuit between the 10a fuse and the air bag diagnostic monitor, or a problem in the charging system causing battery voltage to drop below 8 volts.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
