Flashing Airbag light, code 13?

Tiny
WAKEFIC
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 FORD PROBE
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 110,000 MILES
Flashing Air bag light flashing 13 indicating ground on the system. I have the service manual and followed the steps. Replaced air bag with SRS Diagnostic tool. I checked for ground on pin 11, 17, 18, 19. No ground. Proper resistance across impact sensors. Still shows 13. Thermal fuse is blown but still shows 13 indicating short to ground. I have a new Airbag control module, but the problem needs to be cleared first. I can't find the problem.
Thursday, August 10th, 2023 AT 10:38 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Usually, the clock spring goes out causing this problem. Here is a guide to help you test the wiring to confirm the issue and I have included the airbag system wiring diagrams so you can see which wires to test and how the system works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes
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Friday, August 11th, 2023 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
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I considered the clock spring but according to the service manual the clock spring would show shorted to ground on pin 11. Pin 11 is not shorted to ground.
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Friday, August 11th, 2023 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If the clock spring is broken internally it will be an open circuit.
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Saturday, August 12th, 2023 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
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Okay, based on your advice I purchased a NOS clock spring. It was only available with the turn signals / wiper controls. ($91). I also had to buy a puller for the steering wheel. I replaced the unit and reconnected the battery, connected the air bag tool, still flashes 13. Grrrrr
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Sunday, September 10th, 2023 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Hmm, there are 4 grounds at the airbag monitor let's use this guide to see if they are working:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I checked all the grounds on the Air Module. I checked all the voltages. All are correct except 11 and 12 which show no voltage. 11 and 12 are connected and are not shorted to ground. By removing the airbag the crash sensors are removed from the circuit. Those each tested 1100 ohms. Where does pin 11 get its voltage?
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Saturday, September 30th, 2023 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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When I check the wiring diagrams above pin 11 is not used?
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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
"If the diagnostic Monitor measures a voltage of 2 volts or less at pin 11, the monitor will flash a code 13 to indicate a possible ground on the circuit" section 01-20B-22 of the 1993 Probe service manual. Also if you check your schematic, you will note that pin 11 is tied to pin 12 and through the safing sensor to the clock spring and airbag. This is all circuit 944 which fires the airbag. It normally has a small voltage.
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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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My bad, good call, the pins are tied to one another. It sounds like the airbag diagnostic monitor is back feeding the module. I would check all power and ground sources for the system using the wiring diagrams above. Can I ask if the airbag light comes on?
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
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Airbag light comes on start-up then goes out, then code 13.
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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So what have you replaced or checked so far?
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 7:59 AM
Tiny
WAKEFIC
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I have the service manual and followed the steps. Replaced air bag with SRS Diagnostic tool. I checked for ground on pin 11, 17, 18, 19. No ground. Proper resistance across impact sensors. Thermal fuse is blown but still shows 13 indicating short to ground. I replaced Clock spring assembly. Opened circuit at the airbag to disconnect the impact sensors from the circuit, still no good. Pin 11 and 12 connect together as should be, no ground on either. Pin 11 has 0 volts causing the Airbag control module to think there is a ground. I removed the battery negative for 30 minutes and still code 13. I checked pins 13, 1 and 6 for battery voltage. I have a new Airbag control module, but the problem needs to be cleared before installing it.
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would check all wiring to see if anything is connecting to ground that should not be, please use this guide and the wiring diagrams above. Also, recheck power and grounds, I am wondering if the airbag itself has shorted as well. I would disconnected all parts of the system to test while not connected. Disconnected the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 8:07 AM

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