Hi all,
I have a 1997 Ford Escort LX which recently I replaced the heater core by myself. I did it with Haynes manual which was not really accurate but I've done it.
Problem now is, the airbag light was working right before, but soon after the heater core replacement it keeps blinking 5 times, off then 1 time. I assume this is code 51, but I have no idea what it is, could be something I messed up during heater core replacement? Not sure what kind of info I should give but ... please let me know.

Thanks,

DM

I'm sorry for pumping this one up but does anyone have any input at all?

Thanks,

DM

Trouble code 51 refers to engine coolant temperature sensor open circuit so I don't think the blinking you are getting means anything. The electronic diagnostic monitor inflates the bags if during a collision the power is cut off. It is located below the center console. If you disconnect the negative terminal on your battery for at least one minute it may reset the diagnostic monitor which checks the airbag system for faults each time the vehicle is started. Also, if the light goes out after blinking 5 times I wouldn't worry about the air bags. Just make sure you wear your seat belt.

Thanks, I'll try resetting the diag monitor. The only thing is that blinking light will get the car failed inspection, so I need to get that fixed anyway. Will let you know what's going on.

DM

Thanks, I'll try resetting the diag monitor. The only thing is that blinking light will get the car failed inspection, so I need to get that fixed anyway. Will let you know what's going on.

DM


Not sure of your state, and what inspection you are talking about, but normally a blinking airbag light will not cause a failed inspection.

I live in Massachusetts. They have safety and emission inspection. Safety has to be done every year while emission is every other year. For safety, normally they don't check airbag (cuz how the hell can they do it?) but with the airbag light blinking I don't think they'll let it pass.
Also, I have tried resetting the diag monitor but didn't work. I guess I'll bring it in Ford dealer and have them check it.
Thanks for all the inputs.

DM

I live in Massachusetts. They have safety and emission inspection. Safety has to be done every year while emission is every other year. For safety, normally they don't check airbag (cuz how the hell can they do it?) but with the airbag light blinking I don't think they'll let it pass.
Also, I have tried resetting the diag monitor but didn't work. I guess I'll bring it in Ford dealer and have them check it.
Thanks for all the inputs.

DM

I have a bad taste for ford dealership they seem not much better then a good non affiliated mechanic. I had a problem brought my car to a ford dealership paid 89.00 to tell me nothing was wrong. Ok drive home next morning less then 24 hours later car wont start. I call them they say tow it in well re check but we have to recharge you. I call ford directly they said we cant control what the shops do but we do recommend staying with a ford dealership. I was like WTF.

Well, alright it was the airbag thermal fuse that was blown, and they replaced the airbag module. One thing I'd like to share is, I asked Ford dealer to do state inspection on the car afterward, they said that the battery failed charging (which I already know), the tie rod end was bad (which I checked myself and it was fine) and the rear spring was going south (which again I checked myself and it was fine), so after the airbag module replaced I was like "to hell with you" and brought it to another state inspection station and it passed!!! Amazing!!! :P

Well, alright it was the airbag thermal fuse that was blown, and they replaced the airbag module. One thing I'd like to share is, I asked Ford dealer to do state inspection on the car afterward, they said that the battery failed charging (which I already know), the tie rod end was bad (which I checked myself and it was fine) and the rear spring was going south (which again I checked myself and it was fine), so after the airbag module replaced I was like "to hell with you" and brought it to another state inspection station and it passed!!! Amazing!!! :P

great to hear how much did it run ya

The airbag module itself cost $215 after tax, but I also had to pay the diagnostic $70

The airbag module itself cost $215 after tax, but I also had to pay the diagnostic $70

it's amazing that one cannot pass inspection if the airbag light blinks.