Dback3

I searched and it seems these questions don't get many responses but here goes:

The airbag dash light on my 2005 Lariat (5.4L) flashes code 51 (5-1) then stays on and searching around it seems there is a short somewhere in the airbag circuit that burns a fuse in the airbag diagnostic module. This is intermittent (sometimes the light comes on and sometimes it doesn't, regardless of anybody being in the passenger seat).

My questions are, has anybody had this code and fixed it? The code description says not to replace the module without finding the short first. Has anybody simply replaced the module and had that fix it? Finally, where is this diagnostic module located and what part number is it? The dealer gave me a quote of 200 bucks for an "airbag module" but I have doubts that it's the same part.

Thanks

Dback3

Any ideas on what this airbag diagnostic module is and where it could be located? Or better yet, has anybody fixed this code 51? Thanks.

Dback3

In response to my own question and for anybody else that wants to know:

The Airbag Diagnostic Monitor (AKA Airbag Diagnostic Module, AKA Airbag Module, AKA Restraint Control Module) on an 04-08 F150 supercab/supercrew with center console shifter is under the console itself. It is covered by a pre-cut piece of carpet and is held down by 3 screws and 2 electrical connectors.

In order to remove it, you need to remove the center console.

Also, there is no "thermal fuse" in it like the older blue box ones that can be swapped. It looks like the whole module needs to be replaced. The only component that may be of significance inside the module is a 1000 microFarad 36v capacitor but replacing that probably won't fix the blown thermal fuse.

I ordered a new module off of eBay and will be replacing the one i have now when I get it. Hopefully that will clear the 51 code since that is the only code I get (probably means the short that caused it was a one time deal, or else I'd be getting a 13 or 14 code according to everything I've read.)

skipro7669

Just wondering if replacing the module under the center console fixed the 5-1 code. I am having the same problem.

Dback3

Actually it didn't, but I did find the issue after much research. It turns out the 5-1 code on this truck is for a faulty driver side seat belt retainer. The little explosive cylinder goes out and triggers the 51 code. I replaced it and the light has never come back on. If I unplug it, the light returns. It's a piece of cake to replace.

Mod (Ret.)

Interesting. I posted the air bag codes here a year ago. My seat belt retainer (drivers side ) was also bad. Here is the link:

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/air-bag...s-42-a-155660/

12=Low Battery Voltage
13=Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Ground
14=Primary Crash Sensor Circuit Shorted to Ground
21=Safing Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
22=Safing Sensor Output Shorted to Battery Voltage
23=Safing Sensor Circuit Input Feed/Return Circuit Open
24=Safing Sensor Output Feed/Return Circuit Open
32=Driver Side Air Bag Circuit High Resistance or Open
33=Passenger Side Air Bag Circuit High Resistance or Open
34=Driver Side Air Bag Circuit Low Resistance or Shorted
35=Passenger Side Air Bag Circuit Low Resistance or Shorted
41=RH Primary Crash Sensor Feed/Return Circuit Open
42=LH Primary Crash Sensor Feed/Return Circuit Open
44=RH Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
45=LH Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
51=Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Internal Thermal FuseFuse Blown Due to Intermittent Short to Ground
52=Backup Power SupplyVoltage Boost Fault
53=Primary Crash Sensor Circuits Resistance to Ground or Air Bag Diagnostic Fault

skipro7669

Do I need to get this retainer from the dealership or is there an aftermarket available? And what was the cost if you don't mind me asking. Thanks again! I have been looking at that airbag light for the last 25,000 miles!

Mod (Ret.)

I bought a used one from the local boneyard. $5.00 out the door.

Masi1926

Is it possibly the clock spring recall in the steering wheel that's the problem?
Guess not, missed the post where you figured it out. Nevermind.

Joshua Bittner

Sorry for bringing this back but I'm having the same problem and don't understand what you're describing here. Can you go more indebth