Normal Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The restraints control module (RCM) monitors all of the impact sensor circuits for faults. If the RCM detects a low resistance, open circuit, a short to ground or a short to voltage on any of the impact sensor circuits, it will store DTC B2296 in memory and send a message to the instrument cluster (IC) module to flash LFC 42 (or higher priority code if one exists) on the air bag warning indicator.

Fault PIDs^a	Description	Fault Trigger Condition
2296_3_OD and 2296_3_CM	Driver/Center Front Crash Sensor Circuit Short to Battery	When the RCM senses a short to voltage on either of the front impact severity sensor circuits, a fault will be indicated.
2296_4_OD and 2296_4_OD	Driver/Center Front Crash Sensor Circuit Short to Ground	When the RCM senses a short to ground on either of the front impact severity sensor circuits, a fault will be indicated.
2296_5_OD and 2296_5_CM	Driver/Center Front Crash Sensor Communication Fault	When the RCM is unable to communicate with the sensor.
2296_18_OD and 2296_18_CM	Front Crash Sensor Internal Fault	When the RCM senses an internal fault of the front impact severity sensor, a fault will be indicated.
2296_19_OD and 2296_19_CM	Driver/Center Front Crash Sensor Mount/Communication Fault	When the RCM is unable to communicate (circuit open, short to ground or battery on sensor) with the driver/center front impact sensor, a fault will be indicated.

^a Fault PIDs that end in OD indicate an on-demand status and are associated with on-demand DTC B2296. Fault PIDs that end in CM indicate continuous memory status and are associated with continuous DTC B2296.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

Wiring, terminals or connectors
Impact sensor
Incorrect sensor mounting
RCM