Air Bag Readiness Lamp - ON After Long Engine Crank

89Ford30

LAMP-AIR BAG READINESS LAMP ACTIVATED AFTER LONG ENGINE CRANK-VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 11/01/89
Article No. 89-19-8
FORD: 1990 MUSTANG, TEMPO

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1990 MARK VII, TOPAZ


ISSUE: The air bag readiness lamp may come on after a long engine crank. This happens because the air bag diagnostic module is wired to the start/run power line.

Normal vehicle air bag readiness proveout is indicated by the following:

^ Lighting the readiness lamp for 6-8 seconds

^ Turning off lamp after 6-8 seconds when the ignition key is turned to the on position.

After the engine is started following a long engine crank, the air bag readiness light may react as follows:

^ Light for a shorter than normal time, about 2-8 seconds

^ Flash on three times, pause 2 seconds, flash three times, then turn off.
ACTION: If either of the two described conditions occur after a long engine crank, the air bag system is OK and no service action is required. However, if the air bag readiness lamp remains on or flashes on and off continously (flash fault codes) then service is required. Refer to the appropriate 1990 Car Shop Manual, Section 41-58 for diagnostics.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 2500, 2900