What causes air bag indicator light to flash on and off

23 Memory Clear Circuit Improperly Grounded.

Hey Earl, what's going on ? The air bag module is usually under the passenger seat or the center console ! The only way to turn off the light is with a up grade scan tool , not code reader. An the light is on for a reason , problem with the system ! If you don't know about this don't mess with it , you could deploy an air bag !
The AIR BAG indicator, located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) is used to notify the driver of SIR system malfunctions and to verify that the SDM is communicating with the IPC. When the ignition is turned ON, the SDM is supplied with ignition 1 voltage and requests the IPC to flash the AIR BAG indicator 7 times. While flashing the indicator, the SDM conducts test on all SIR system components and circuits. If no malfunctions are detected the SDM will communicate with the IPC through the class 2 serial data circuit and request the IPC to turn the AIR BAG indicator OFF. The SDM provides continuous monitoring of the air bag circuits by conducting a sequence of checks. If a malfunction is detected the SDM will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and request the IPC to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON. The presence of a SIR system malfunction could result in non-deployment of the air bags. The AIR BAG indicator will remain ON until the malfunction has been repaired.

this indicates that the air bag solenoid circuit has failed it's test. which means you need to have the air bag circuitry checked. since this is a safety feature, and you could cause the air bag to inflate by accident. I will only recommend taking it to a qualified mechanic.

You need to find out what the fault code is. It will direct you to the area responsible.

Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SUBSTITUTE ANOTHER FUSE VALUE FOR THE 10A BATTERY FUSE. ANY FUSE OTHER THAN 10A MAY CAUSE DISARMING FAILURE AND MAY RESULT IN DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE 10A BATTERY FUSE UNTIL THE AIR BAG SYSTEM FIRST HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED (SEE DEACTIVATION PROCEDURE FOR DETAILS).
NOTE: The safing sensor is internal to the air bag diagnostic monitor (14B056) and is not replaced separately.
The air bag diagnostic monitor continually monitors all supplemental air bag restraint system (SRS) components and wiring connections for possible faults in the system. If the air bag diagnostic monitor detects a fault in the SRS when the ignition switch (11572) is in the RUN position, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will be displayed by the air bag indicator, located on the instrument cluster (10849).
The air bag diagnostic monitor does not deploy the air bag in the event of a collision. The LH or RH air bag sensor and the safing sensor determine when to deploy the air bag.
The air bag diagnostic monitor illuminates the air bag indicator for approximately six seconds when the ignition switch is in the RUN position and then turns the indicator off. This shows that the air bag indicator is operational. If the air bag indicator does not illuminate or the indicator stays on or flashes at any time, a fault has been detected by the air bag diagnostic monitor.
DTCs may not be displayed for approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch is placed in the RUN position. This is the amount of time the air bag diagnostic monitor requires to perform all tests and verify system faults.
Each DTC (a series of flashes and pauses of the air bag indicator):

• Represents a two-digit number.
• Is always displayed at least twice.

If the diagnostic monitor detects a fault in the air bag system, a DTC will be written to the diagnostic monitors non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). This DTC will then cause the lamp to flash a lamp fault code (LFC) on the air bag indicator and can be retrieved with the New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester. After repair, the DTC may then be cleared from the NVRAM.
If a system fault is present and the air bag indicator is malfunctioning, an audible tone will be heard. The tone is a series of five sets of five beeps. If the tone is heard, the air bag system requires repair.
If a fault exists that makes unwanted air bag deployment possible, the air bag diagnostic monitor will attempt to remove deployment power by turning on a solid state switch to blow the 10A battery fuse 2.
If the 10A battery fuse has successfully been blown by the air bag diagnostic monitor, the air bag diagnostic monitor will not attempt to blow it again until the proper fault has been repaired and cleared (see Diagnostic Trouble Code Clearing procedures for details). The air bag diagnostic monitor will store both the unwanted deployment DTC and the loss of deployment power DTC. The loss of deployment power DTC is the highest priority.
DTCs are prioritized numerically. If two or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority will be displayed first. After that fault has been corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.
The air bag diagnostic monitor includes an internal backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the air bag in the event the battery (10655) or battery cables are damaged in a collision before safing and air bag sensors close. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy approximately one minute after the positive battery cable is disconnected.
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The DTCs can be retrieved with New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester using the Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs option. Any DTCs stored in the air bag diagnostic monitor will be displayed on the NGS along with a brief description of the DTC. If no DTCs are present, the NGS Tester will display a SYSTEM PASSED message. This option can also be used to clear DTCs from the air bag diagnostic monitor memory, as long as the concern no longer exists. Once a DTC is logged into the air bag diagnostic monitor memory, it will stay in memory until 255 key cycles have been recorded or until the NGS is used to erase the DTCs. Once 256 key cycles have been recorded since the concern was last detected, the DTC will automatically be removed from memory.

You just need to turn it off again. You created a false trigger of the light. You may have to have dealer do it with scan tool.


Prove Out Procedure
Turn the ignition switch from the OFF to the RUN position and visually monitor the air bag indicator with the air bag modules or restraint system diagnostic tools installed. The air bag indicator will light continuously for approximately six seconds and then turn off. If an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault is present, the air bag indicator will either:

• fail to light.
• remain lit continuously.
• flash.

The flashing might not occur until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the RUN position. This is the time required for the restraints control module (RCM) to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag indicator is inoperative and an SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of five sets of five beeps. If this occurs, the air bag indicator will need to be repaired before diagnosis can continue.
----------------------------------------------------------- Restraints Control Module (RCM)
The restraints control module (RCM) performs the following functions:

• signals the inflators to deploy the air bags in the event of a deployable crash.
• monitors the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) for faults.
• illuminates the air bag indicator if a fault is detected.
• flashes the air bag indicator to indicate the lamp fault code (LFC) detected.
• communicates through the data link connector (DLC) the current or historical diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
• signals the generic electronic module (GEM) to activate a chime if the air bag indicator is not available and another SRS fault exists.

NOTE: The safing sensor is internal to the RCM and is not repaired separately.
The RCM monitors the SRS for possible faults. If a fault is detected while the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the RCM will illuminate the air bag indicator located in the instrument cluster.
When the ignition is cycled (turned off and then on), the air bag indicator will begin its prove out sequence. During prove out the air bag indicator will illuminate for six seconds, go off for two seconds and then, if a system fault exists, flash the two-digit LFC. The air bag indicator will flash the LFC five times, then it will remain illuminated for the rest of the key cycle. The RCM will also communicate the current and historical DTCs through the DLC, using a scan tool. If the air bag indicator does not function, and the system detects a fault condition, the RCM will signal the GEM to activate an audible chime. The chime is a series of five sets of five tone bursts. If the chime is heard, the SRS and the air bag indicator require repair.
LFCs are prioritized. If two or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority will be displayed. After that fault has been corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.
The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the air bags in the event that the ignition circuit is damaged in a collision before the safing and air bag sensors determine that deployment is required. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy approximately one minute after the battery ground cable is disconnected.
Electrical System
The electrical system that supports the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS):

• is powered from the battery through the ignition circuit.
• provides the electrical path from the restraints control module (RCM) to the air bag modules.
• provides the electrical path from the RCM to the air bag indicator.
• provides the electrical path from the RCM to the data link connector (DLC).
• provides the electrical path from the RCM to the generic electronic module (GEM).

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Restraints Control Module (RCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Priority Table DTC a LFC b LFC Priority Description Action To Take — — 1 The Air Bag Indicator is Illuminated Continuously — RCM Disconnected, Inoperative, or Lost/Low Ignition Feed Go To Pinpoint Test A . B1342 24 2 RCM Is Faulted INSTALL a new RCM. B1231 19 3 RCM Crash Data Memory Full INSTALL a new RCM. B1921 21 4 RCM Bracket Ground Resistance High Go To Pinpoint Test B . C1414 29 5 Incorrect Vehicle Identification Code Go To Pinpoint Test C . B1887 15 6 Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Ground B1916 15 7 Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Battery or Ignition B1888 16 8 Passenger Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Ground B1925 16 9 Passenger Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Battery or Ignition B1932 32 10 Driver Air Bag Circuit Resistance High B1933 33 11 Passenger Air Bag Circuit Resistance High B1934 34 12 Driver Air Bag Circuit Resistance Low B1935 35 13 Passenger Air Bag Circuit Resistance Low B1892 — 17 Air Bag Tone Warning Indicator Circuit Shorted to Ground or Open B1891 — 18 Air Bag Tone Warning Indicator Circuit Shorted to Battery or Ignition B1869 Tone c 19 Air Bag Indicator Inoperative B1870 Tone c 20 Air Bag Indicator Shorted to Battery — — — No Communication with the Restraints Control Module

The air bag code 44 indicates that the air bag computer is not receiving a signal from the right front air bag sensor. This could be caused from defective wiring (loose wire or grounded through chafing) or the sensor being defective.

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!

If a concern is detected, the air bag control module will communicate by flashing the warning indicator. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is logged by the air bag control module in a nonvolatile memory. For additional information, refer to Diagnosis and Testing in this section.
Lamp Fault Codes (LFC)
Item Part Number Description 1 One flash cycle: Driver air bag trouble code 2 Two flash cycle: Passenger air bag trouble code 3 Three flash cycle: Trouble code common to both driver and passenger air bag circuit 4 Four flash cycle: Safety belt pretensioner trouble code common to both driver and passenger pretensioner circuits 5 Five flash cycle: Driver side air bag trouble code 6 Six flash cycle: Passenger side air bag trouble code 7 Not used 8 Not used

Try clearing the codes & see if it returns. I do not see a code fault 10. Starts at 12.

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Section 01-20B: Restraints, Passive — Supplemental Air Bag System 1995 Town Car, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis Workshop Manual DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING Diagnostic Trouble Code Clearing Procedure to Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes from Diagnostic Monitor Non-Volatile Random Access Memory.
Normal Operation
The air bag diagnostic monitor (14B056) continually checks the air bag system for readiness. When a fault condition is detected, the DTC associated with that fault is stored in the air bag diagnostic monitor's Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). After writing the DTC to NVRAM, the air bag diagnostic monitor signals the fault by flashing the appropriate diagnostic trouble code on the air bag indicator. The diagnostic trouble code written to NVRAM is permanently stored in the air bag diagnostic monitor until cleared by the diagnostic trouble code clearing procedure.

• Upon each cycle of the ignition switch (11572) , the air bag diagnostic monitor checks for diagnostic trouble codes written in NVRAM. If any diagnostic trouble codes exist in NVRAM, the air bag diagnostic monitor will then check to see if these fault conditions are still present.
• If the conditions of the diagnostic trouble code in NVRAM are still present, then the air bag diagnostic monitor will use the air bag indicator to flash out the diagnostic trouble code number that was written in memory.
• If the conditions of the diagnostic trouble code are not still present (indicating an intermittent or serviced fault), the air bag diagnostic monitor will use the air bag indicator to flash out a DTC which is the sum of the diagnostic trouble code in NVRAM plus 40.

Example: Due to corrosion, high resistance develops on the driver side air bag circuit. The air bag diagnostic monitor stores a diagnostic trouble code 32 in NVRAM. Upon each cycle of the ignition switch , the air bag diagnostic monitor checks the resistance of the driver air bag circuit.

• If the resistance is still high, the air bag diagnostic monitor causes the air bag indicator to flash out a DTC 32.
• If the resistance falls within the normal range due to service or an intermittent condition, the air bag diagnostic monitor causes DTC 72 to be flashed on the air bag indicator.

Once a fault has been serviced, the associated diagnostic trouble code may be cleared from NVRAM. Only diagnostic trouble codes that the air bag diagnostic monitor sees as repaired or intermittent may be cleared (diagnostic trouble codes 52 and above). In no circumstances can hard fault conditions (diagnostic trouble codes 45 and below) be cleared.

1. Follow the diagnostic procedures as outlined to service the fault condition flashing on the air bag indicator.

1. Cycle the ignition switch to OFF and then to RUN.

1. Observe air bag indicator prove-out (six ± two seconds) followed by diagnostic trouble code (52-85) flashing completely one time.

1. Locate the Diagnostic "Trouble Code Clear" Connector located underneath the glove compartment (06010) containing Circuits 631 (T/R) and 57 (BK).

1. Use a jumper wire to short Circuit 631 (T/R) to Circuit 57 (BK) or to another good ground. This short must be made after the diagnostic trouble code flashes completely one time, but before the warning light stays on continuously.

1. Hold short until air bag diagnostic monitor tone sounds (approximately five seconds).

1. Release short on Circuit 631 (TAN/RED STRIPE) to Circuit 57 (BLACK). This short must be released within 25 seconds after the diagnostic monitor tone sounds. Diagnostic trouble code is now cleared from NVRAM. Next highest priority diagnostic trouble code stored in NVRAM (if one exists) will begin flashing.
   

Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Switch
The passenger air bag deactivation (PAD) switch:

• is located on the instrument panel to the right of the climate controls.
• contains a light emitting diode (LED) that indicates when the PAD switch is activated (passenger air bag disabled).
• allows the passenger air bag deployment circuit to be disabled using the ignition key.
• should be used whenever a child safety seat is being used in the front passenger seating position.

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Prove Out the System
Prove out the system means to turn the ignition switch from the OFF to the RUN position and visually monitor the air bag indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag indicator will light continuously for approximately six seconds and then turn off. If an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault is present, the air bag indicator will either:

• fail to light.
• remain lit continuously.
• flash.

The flashing might not occur until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the RUN position. This is the time required for the restraints control module (RCM) to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag indicator is inoperative and an SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of five sets of five tone bursts. If this occurs, the air bag indicator will need to be repaired before diagnosis can continue.
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Active Commands
This command allows the technician to verify operation of the air bag indicator, passenger air bag deactivation (PAD) lamp and chime. When the air bag output command is executed, the indicator, the PAD lamp, chime and the chime are activated simultaneously for approximately four seconds. All devices are deactivated automatically.