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.
2002 Mercury Sable LS PremiumFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Test F: Restraint Control Module Does Not Respond To Scan Tool
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2002 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Perform all voltage and resistance tests using a Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure. Use ohmmeter to isolate wiring harness shorts or opens.
- Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Deactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS. Disconnect Restraint Control Module (RCM) 11-pin harness connector C310b. See Fig 1. RCM harness connector C310b is located behind center of dash panel. See Figure. Inspect harness connector for loose, damaged or corroded terminals. If connector and terminals are okay, go to next step. If connector and terminals are faulty, repair or replace as necessary. After repair, test system for normal operation.
- Measure resistance between RCM harness connector C310b terminal No. 4 and DLC terminal No. 7 (Light Blue/White wire). See Figure and Fig 1 . See WIRING DIAGRAMS . If resistance is 5 ohms or less, replace RCM. See RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is greater than 5 ohms, repair open circuit in Light Blue/White wire between RCM and DLC. After repair, clear DTCs and test system for normal operation.
- Disconnect in-line 16-pin harness connector C213. See Figure. In-line harness connector C213 is located behind left side rocker panel. See Figure. Inspect harness connector for loose, damaged or corroded terminals. If connector and terminals are okay, go to next step. If connector and terminals are faulty, repair or replace as necessary. After repair, test system for normal operation.
- Measure resistance between male half of in-line harness connector C213 terminal No. 4 and DLC terminal No. 7 (Light Blue/White wire). See Figure and Figure . See WIRING DIAGRAMS . If resistance is 5 ohms or less, repair open circuit in Light Blue/White wire between female half of in-line harness connector C213 and RCM. If resistance is greater than 5 ohms, repair open circuit in Light Blue/White wire between male half of in-line harness connector C213 and DLC. After repair, clear DTCs and test system for normal operation.
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:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.