Hi guys, I am a new comer to this site and a big Ford fan. I need help with my 1995 Explorer. Recently my Explorer was submerged in lake water. I have since restored the vehicle by flushing out all the fluids and areplacing the ECM unit (computer) and got the car running again. Now my Air Bag light blinke 5 - 2 (52), which means damaged backup battery. Where is the Air Bag backup battery located on 1995 a Ford Explorer (4 door, 2 wheel drive automatic trans)?

Thanks,
Emil

 

Here is a test for the code. It is for low voltage to the module. If it needs replaced, the Restraint Control Module needs replaced.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 52: INTERMITTENT OR REPAIRED LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE

Possible Causes

52-1 UNDERSTAND FUNCTION
Cycle the ignition switch to OFF and then to RUN and confirm that DTC 52 is flashing on the air bag indicator.
Read the normal operation description for DTC 12. Read the pinpoint test for DTC 12 as a reference.
Examine the diagnostic trouble code schematic. Look for areas where intermittent faults may occur.
Is the diagnostic trouble code operation well understood?
Yes
GO to 52-2 .
NOTE: This is an intermittent or repaired fault. The fault condition is no longer present.


No
RE-EXAMINE appropriate descriptions and schematics. Failure to understand air bag system functions will result in needless replacement of system components and repeat service.


52-2 CHECK IF REPAIRED
Deactivate system.
Has a DTC 12 just been serviced and repaired?
Yes
GO to 52-3 .

No
GO to 52-4 .


52-3 CLEAR AND CHECK FOR OTHER DTC'S
Check battery fuse feeding air bag diagnostic monitor Pins 13 and 14. Fuse should be 10A. NO SUBSTITUTIONS.
Clear DTC 52 (see Diagnostic Trouble Code Clearing procedure).
Does another diagnostic trouble code start flashing?
Yes
PROCEED to the description, schematic and pinpoint tests of the DTC that is flashing.

No
REACTIVATE system.


52-4 CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM
Examine charging system.
NOTE: An intermittent charging system or battery concern could lead to a DTC 52.

Has a charging system concern been reported or noticed on the vehicle?
Yes
SERVICE charging system concern. GO to 52-3.

No
GO to 52-5.


52-5 CHECK BATTERY FEED
Visually inspect all crimps, terminals, fuses, wires, etc. in the battery circuit feeding Pins 13 and 14 of the air bag diagnostic monitor . Look for poor connections, pinched wires, etc.
NOTE: An intermittent open in the battery circuit could lead to a DTC 52.

Are any concerns noticed?
Yes
SERVICE concerns in battery feed. GO to 52-3 .

No
RE-EXAMINE diagnostic trouble code description and schematic. LOOK for causes of intermittent low battery voltage at Pin 13. ATTEMPT to RECREATE hard faults by driving vehicle, flexing wire harnesses, etc., cycling ignition switch frequently. SERVICE any intermittent concerns if found. GO to 52-3 .

 

Thanks for the thourogh explaination for the Air Bag diagnostics. This is too complicated for me to perform. I was hoping that by replacing the backup battery, would fix the code 52 issue. Are you saying that if the backup battery gets replaced, the entire restraining system has to be replaced too? The car is very clean and perfect running condition and probably not worth more than $2,500. I just hate to put lots of money into it just to fix the Air Bag.
I was also thinking about replacing the Air Bag module with another one from the junk yard, since this unit was under the water for atleast 30 to 45 minutes. Do you know if thr backup battery is in the air bag module that's located in the pasenger side kick panel?

Thanks again for responding.

Emil

 

You can replace the Restraint Control Module by itself. If you can find a known good Module, it should work. You do not have to replace the entire system.

 

Thanks, I will be replaycing the air bag control module. Also, do you know where the backup battery is located for the air bag. This is what code 52 is pointing to.

Emil

 

The back up battery is located in the module. It is to keep power to the air bags for 10 seconds after a crash. So if you get the module, you will have the back up battery.

Remove RH kick panel. Air bag diagnostic monitor (14B056) is the blue box with two connectors mounted below the climate control head

 

 

I replaced the air bag module with the one I found at the pick a part and the code 52 went away and no more issues. Thanks for all your advise.