F 150 Super Crew 2WD V8-4.6L SOHC VIN 6 (2003)
Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation
The Restraints Control Module (RCM) is mounted on the center tunnel under the instrument panel. The RCM performs the following functions:
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signals the inflators to deploy the air bags in the event of a deployable crash.
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activates the safety belt retractor pretensioners to remove slack from the safety belt.
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monitors the air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for faults.
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illuminates the air bag indicator if a fault is detected.
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flashes the air bag indicator to indicate the Lamp Fault Code (LFC) detected.
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communicates through the Data Link Connector (DLC) the current or historical Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
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signals the instrument cluster to activate a chime if the air bag indicator is not available and another SRS fault exists.
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contains an internal safing sensor which is not serviced separately.
The RCM monitors the SRS for possible faults. If a fault is detected while the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the RCM will illuminate the air bag
indicator located in the instrument cluster.
When the ignition is cycled (turned off and then on), the air bag indicator will remain lit for six seconds and then go out. If an SRS fault exists, the air
bag indicator will then flash the two-digit LFC. The air bag indicator will flash the LFC five times, then it will remain illuminated for the rest of the key
cycle. The RCM will also communicate the current and historical DTCs through the data link connector (DLC), using the scan tool. If the air bag
indicator does not function, and the system detects a fault condition, the RCM will signal the instrument cluster to activate an audible chime. The chime
is a series of five sets of five tone bursts. If the chime is heard, the SRS and the air bag indicator require repair.
LFCs are prioritized. If two or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority will be displayed first. After that fault has been
corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.
The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the air bags in the event that the ignition circuit is
damaged in a collision before the safing and air bag sensors determine that an air bag deployment is required. The backup power supply will deplete its
stored energy approximately one minute after the battery ground cable is disconnected.
