Where is the airbag diagnostic module on my 1996 aerostar? getting code 51

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) diagnostic trouble code (DTC) 51-XX indicates an internal failure of the SRS unit (computer). There isn't much to the diagnosis of this code; the procedure consists of erasing the codes, cycling the ignition switch, and if DTC 51-XX, 52-XX, 53-XX, 54-XX, 55-XX or 58-XX is detected, replace the SRS unit. It's important to note that if the vehicle was in a collision prior to this failure, there are many other components that need to be replaced along with the SRS unit depending on which airbags and/or seat belt buckle tensioners deployed. Regarding VSA DTC 61-01, an OBDII scanner capable of accessing live sensor data should be using to inspect the VSA "BATTERY" parameter ID (PID) and compared to battery voltage read with a digital multimeter. If battery voltage is low for both, the battery and charging system should be inspected. If it's only low for the VSA unit, the VSA unit should be updated with the latest software. If up-to-date, the VSA unit connector should be inspected for loose terminals and power supply circuits checked for high resistance. If OK, the VSA unit should be replaced. You can read more here: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-an-abs-control-module-by-robert-kulp

I'm not too keen on airbag repairs but I hope this link will help you get the answers you need to get you on the way to your repairs :o)
Jesus loves you, John 3:16-17 (KJV)

Airbag Code 51 flashing and a fix ( & moved here) - TCCoA Forums

1996 Ford Aerostar Workshop Repair Service Manual PDF Download


for better result download the pdf file

If your airbag code is blinking, and you get 51, it means that your internal thermal fuse in your airbag computer is blown which is caused by an intermittant short to ground on one of the wires in the circuit. When the short to the ground is removed, code 51 flashes with the use of the airbag warning lamp, 5 flashes, pause, 1 flash, longer pause. According to the Ford, this is a nonrepairable fix, you must buy a new air bag module which is a blue box located in the vicinity of the the steering column.

Code 51 means you have to retrieve the real code from the computer.

Ignition switch should be on with engine off.

Locate the black RABS II diagnostic connector.

Disconnect the two halves.
Attach a jumper wire to the black with orange stripe wire side of the diagnostic connector. Ground the jumper wire ground for a few seconds. ABS lamp should start flashing.


Count the flashes. For example, three short flashes followed by one long flash indicates diagnostic trouble Code 4. The code will continue to repeat itself until the key is turned off. A code of 16 means normal system operation.

The last step of the system test always includes clearing the Keep Alive Memory (KAM).

To do this, simply turn off the ignition while the diagnostic connector halves are separated

Then diagnostic connector should be re-assembled.

After getting the real code, then we can look it up and see what the 51 was trying to tell us to look for.

Hi there,

Yes, and No....

Although the Airbag diagnostics #51 & #52 are related to the basic fuse/power issue, if you simply replace the fuse, it will continue to blow the replacement fuse until you correctly erase all airbag codes from the computer.

There is a way to do this, without the need for a diagnostic scanner....

If you are technically inclined and can make up a 2 x jumper wires (each with tiny alligator clips on the ends), I can show you how to do this.

If yes, then you need to locate and confirm your data connector is the same as this one (found in the interior fuse box):


Let me know...

Cheers,

I was unable to locate code 31 in my book here is a copy of the codes. looks like you just need a fuse for #51. this may fix 31 as well.

Diagnostic Trouble Code Table 1994

AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE PRIORITY TABLE
Priority Code Component/Fault Description
Highest - No Air Bag Indicator - Inoperative Lamp Circuit or No Ignition
Voltage to Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor

Continuous Air Bag Indicator - Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
Disconnected or Inoperative
12 Low Battery Voltage
13 Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Ground
14 Primary Crash Sensor Circuit Shorted to Ground
21 Safing Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
22 Safing Sensor Output Shorted to Battery Voltage
23 Safing Sensor Circuit Input Feed/Return Circuit Open
24 Safing Sensor Output Feed/Return Circuit Open
32 Driver Side Air Bag Module High Resistance or Open
33 Passenger Side Air Bag Module High Resistance or Open
34 Driver Side Air Bag Module Circuit Low Resistance or Shorted
35 Passenger Side Air Bag Module Low Resistance or Shorted
42 Center Radiator Primary Crash Sensor Feed/Return Open
44 Center Cowl Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
45 Center Radiator Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
51 Diagnostic Monitor Internal Thermal Fuse - Fuse Blown Due to
Intermittent Short to Ground
52 Backup Power Supply - Voltage Boost Fault
53 Primary Crash Sensor Circuits - Resistance to Ground or Air Bag
Diagnostic Monitor Failure

Lowest - Rapid Continuous Flashing of Air Bag Indicator (No DTC) All Primary

Hi!

Code 51 means: Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Internal Thermal Fuse ä Fuse Blown Due to Intermittent Short to Ground. It means that the computer controlling the airbags sensed a short in the wiring and disabled itself by tripping an internal fuse for safety reasons so that the air bag cannot be deployed accidentally. To repair the car, the wiring problem must be fixed, and then the airbag module replaced. Look for smashed wires, wires that are rubbing against bare metal or other wiring damage affecting the airbag circuits. This wiring is all under the plastic cowl around the steering column.

Please do rate the solution as FixYa and revert for further clarification.

Thanks
Rylee

Seems to be a very common problem with Ford. The wiring harness beneath the drivers seat contains the sensors for the airbag system. Go under the drivers seat and secure all the wires and clips. This makes most error lights for the airbags go away. Hope this helps and good luck!

The sensor on the airbag has told the diagnostics that it has deployed or is faulty

You need a man with a black box to look at the codes and either reset them or tell you which sensor has gone faulty so that it can be replaced

It is not a DIY job