96' airbag light code?

[badpoor]

My 1996 escort's airbag light seems to be sending a code.
It blinks twice and then it pauses and blinks three more times....anyone know what this means?

[dugan50]

Hi Badpoor:
That's a code 23. On your particular model vehicle that code means the following:
23 Memory Clear Circuit Improperly Grounded
That circuit is inside the diagnostic monitor. (which will need to be replaced)
Here's a site that will explain everything you need to know about airbag systems, airbag lights and resetting the system. It shows you the location of the components and the procedure for diagnosing and resetting airbag lights.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/
You can check to see if your car is listed here.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx

Airbagsolutions.com has the fault code charts to tell you what is wrong and how to fix it!
Some vehicle manufacturers let you access and reset systems without a scanner (like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, Honda, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda & Mercury) and some require a scan tool.
Although it’s a pay site ($14.95/day), it’s a lot cheaper than going to the dealer

Here's the page in this site that tells you which cars need a scan tool and which ones can be done without
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/scanlist.aspx

I hope I’ve helped you

[Intuit]

Many years ago I had an honest mechanic from a Ford Dealership inform me that my code was for a blown thermal fuse. Said he wasn't allowed to service the fuse, but was required to instead, to replace the entire module. How much was it ? At the time ~$120 + labor.

So where was the diagnostic module located ??? Right under the heater core. What was this "diagnostic module" ? A small rectangular quad-layer PCB with roughly $10, $15 worth of electronic parts on it. (at non-bulk rate pricing of course) Phhht and the fuse was non-serviceable. Via the fuse manufacturer, I pulled the specs on the fuse and discovered that among it's unique properties, it had a finite lifetime. In other words it hadn't necessarily tripped because it got too hot under the collar. (the fuse blew on a near zero degree Fahrenheit night doing 80mph on the open highway) Per whitesheet specs, exposure to heat shortens it's finite lifetime.

On the matter of principal I refused to pay the money for replacement even though I could well afford it. The fuse manufacturer unfortunately only sold in lots of 10,000 or more and the lowest quantity any distributor was willing to release was 100. Even offered to pay several times there worth just to get ten; which was a no-go. It was a thermal fuse with highly specialized specs which no other I could find came close enough to. So repqir was pretty much out and not wishing to risk having an airbag explode in my face for no apparent reason on an imperfect match, substitute fuse.

[badpoor]

Could it be that my steering wheel is not exactly where it should be?
I recently replaced my rack and pinion and don't know if i have it turned one full turn around.
would that matter?