Diagnosing Customer Concerns Without Hard DTCs

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If an air bag indicator lamp ON is reported by the customer, but is not present when the vehicle comes in for service, follow the DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUCTION procedures to identify the intermittent diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

Once the DTC is known, read the Normal Operation portion of the pinpoint test for the DTC involved.

Follow the deactivation or depowering procedure as directed in this article.
Determine the location of components involved in creating the DTC.
Carry out a thorough visual inspection of:
- Components.
- Connectors.
- Splices and wiring harnesses.
- Insulation on conductors.

Refer to the appropriate Possible Causes of the pinpoint test for the DTC involved, which lists the common concerns that relate to the DTC. Concerns are listed according to priority.