Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2001 Ford Windstar BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Test F: Restraint Control Module Does Not Respond To NGS Tester
NOTE:
If repairs to a module communication network circuit is required, see REPAIRING BUS WIRINGΒ
. If module replacement is necessary, see PROGRAMMINGΒ
and REMOVAL & INSTALLATIONΒ
.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Deactivate air bag system. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Disconnect Restraint Control Module (RCM) 11-pin harness connector C231. Inspect connector for damage. If connector is okay, go to next step. If connector is not okay, repair as necessary.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Measure resistance of Light Blue/White wire between terminal No. 7 at Data Link Connector (DLC) and terminal No. 5 at RCM harness connector C231. See Figure and Figure . If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Light Blue/White wire between RCM and DLC.
- Disconnect all RCM harness connectors. Inspect for corrosion, or pushed out pins. Connect all RCM harness connectors, ensuring connections are seated properly. Operate system. If concern is still present, replace RCM. Perform data link diagnostics. See DATA LINK DIAGNOSTIC TESTΒ under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If concern is not present, system is operating correctly at this time. Concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
