Section 01-20B: Restraints, Passive—Supplemental Air Bag System | 1993 Mustang Workshop Manual |
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Diagnostic Trouble Code 45
Center Radiator Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted To Vehicle Properly
Normal Operation
The diagnostic monitor measures the resistance between Pin 21 (Circuit
620, P/LB) and Pin 3 (diagnostic monitor reference ground). If the diagnostic
monitor measures a difference of more than 2.0 ohms between Pin 21 and Pin 3,
it will flash out Diagnostic Trouble Code 45.
Note that Circuit 620 (P/LB) is attached to the side of the center
radiator primary crash sensor case. In addition, the case is grounded to the
vehicle.
Possible Causes
High resistance on Pin 21 (Circuit 620, P/LB) to ground can be caused by:
- A poor connection due to loose mounting, dirt, or corrosion at the
center radiator primary crash sensor mounting location.
- An open or damaged wire in Circuit 620 (P/LB) from Pin 21 of
the diagnostic monitor harness connector to center radiator primary crash
sensor.
- An open circuit inside center radiator primary crash sensor.
Electrical Schematic—Diagnostic Trouble Code 45

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 45
45-1 VERIFY CONDITION
- Count diagnostic trouble code.
Yes
GO to 45-2.
No
Read the normal operation description for this diagnostic
trouble code. EXAMINE the diagnostic trouble code schematic and look for areas
where intermittent conditions would occur (connectors, splices, crimps,
etc.).
DO NOT proceed with Pinpoint Test until the code is flashing!
Failure to do so will result in needless replacement of the air bag system
components and repeat service.
45-2 CHECK RESISTANCE
- Deactivate system. Leave positive battery cable disconnected.
- Disconnect diagnostic monitor.
- Set ohmmeter on lowest ohm scale possible (200 ohms or AUTO).
- Zero ohmmeter. RECORD resistance reading with two leads together.
- Measure resistance between Pin 21 (Circuit 620, P/LB) and Pin 3 (ground).
- Subtract reading recorded above.
Is resistance greater than 2 ohms?

Yes
GO to 45-3.
No
REPLACE diagnostic monitor. RECONNECT system. VERIFY system.
REACTIVATE system.
45-3 ISOLATE CONCERN
- Disconnect center radiator primary crash sensor from harness.
- Measure resistance between Circuit 629 (P/LB) in sensor connector and a
nearby, good chassis ground. Make sure that this ground is clean and bare.
Is the resistance less than 2 ohms?

Yes
INSPECT Circuit 620 (P/LB) between Pin 21 and sensor. CHECK
all interconnects and splices for poor connections. SERVICE any poor
connections. RECONNECT system. VERIFY system. REACTIVATE system.
No
REMOVE screws retaining sensor. CLEAN mounting surface of
sensor and chassis. INSTALL sensor. TIGHTEN screws to proper specification. GO
to 45-4.
45-4 CLEAN AND MEASURE RESISTANCE OF SENSOR TO GROUND
- Measure resistance between Circuit 620 (P/LB) in sensor connector and a
good chassis ground.
Is resistance less than 2 ohms?
Yes
RECONNECT system. VERIFY system. REACTIVATE system.
No
REPLACE primary crash sensor. RECONNECT system. VERIFY system.
REACTIVATE system.