Hi all, back again with another Ford issue! This time on my Courier van having the airbag light on permanently, there is a sensor mounted in the front bumper with 3 wires which 1 is broken (I know should have recorded all the colours), when I connect the wire the light remains on and code persists.

Is this the impact sensors as all the ones I find to replace it are 2 pin not 3, it is mounted just below and to the drivers side of the radiator tucked up inside where you cannot remove it without pulling the whole front off and radiator.

Thanks in advance

34 minutes ago, Raynsranger said:

Is this the impact sensors as all the ones I find to replace it are 2 pin not 3,

You can't just replace the crash sensor, they are coded.

I thought the impact sensor was two wires ?

But, once repaired did you try battery reset and clear code twice before rereading ?

Not all code readers have RCM function.

Ford never mentioned them being coded to the car when I called them about it, also yes, 2 wires according to them so very confused on this.

No I did not do a battery reset to see if it cleared the code, my code reader (Launch) with full Ford features has the error code ' driver restraint malfunction' and I can clear the code so the light goes out but it comes back on immediately even when I reconnected the broken wire.

Suppose this morning I will try to reset the battery again and also remove the bumper and everything to see if I can get the sensor out.

You should use a Ford specific diagnostic system that is capable to diagnose the RCM (Restraint Control Module). ForScan for example usually shows much more codes and detailed information than many self-proclaimed "professional" diagnostic systems.

If your Launch system is fully capable to diagnose the RCM you should post the full DTC code including subcodes. "Driver Restraint Malfunction" is just a general message that does not indicate any useful information without knowing the full DTC code and subcodes.

In this case there should be a subcode that indicates an open connection of the crash sensor circuit.


The crash sensor that Ford uses is basically a solid-state accelerometer sensor. The communication is similar to LINBus. Ford uses both 2-wire and 3-wire versions depending on Year and model.

As far as I remember the 2-wire version uses the mounting bolt for the ground connection while the 3-wire version has a separate ground wire.

The crash sensor itself is not coded to the vehicle and can be replaced without any problem. The RCM however is coded to the vehicle. You should never disconnect the crash sensor while the car battery is connected. This can cause the RCM to enter Crash Mode because the sensor is no longer detected. Some Ford models allow to reset Crash Mode for a maximum of 5-times while other Ford models require the RCM to be replaced and reprogrammed.

The 2014-2024 transit courier uses a 2 wire frontal impact severity sensor according to fords wiring diagrams. Violet/green and yellow/grey.  But your guessing without knowing the DTC code itself. 

The word "driver" doesn't indicate that sensor. 

The RCM sensor is coded when it is fitted, but that is a factory specific operation. 'OPCOM' I think it called and is for traceability.

If a replacement is fitted, the car does not know provided, of course that it is the correct part.

The RCM itself, however, is a different issue and does need 'coding', or a 'Download to the vehicle. 

Just thought.

Disconnect the sensor on the opposite side, battery disconnected. Reconnect battery and run RCM DTC. 

The same fault should appear on the opposite side if you have correct sensor.

As has been suggested do not be fooled by 'Driver - Passenger', with RCM faults all is often not as it appears.

5 hours ago, JW1982 said:

You should use a Ford specific diagnostic system that is capable to diagnose the RCM (Restraint Control Module). ForScan for example usually shows much more codes and detailed information than many self-proclaimed "professional" diagnostic systems.

If your Launch system is fully capable to diagnose the RCM you should post the full DTC code including subcodes. "Driver Restraint Malfunction" is just a general message that does not indicate any useful information without knowing the full DTC code and subcodes.

In this case there should be a subcode that indicates an open connection of the crash sensor circuit.


The crash sensor that Ford uses is basically a solid-state accelerometer sensor. The communication is similar to LINBus. Ford uses both 2-wire and 3-wire versions depending on Year and model.

As far as I remember the 2-wire version uses the mounting bolt for the ground connection while the 3-wire version has a separate ground wire.

The crash sensor itself is not coded to the vehicle and can be replaced without any problem. The RCM however is coded to the vehicle. You should never disconnect the crash sensor while the car battery is connected. This can cause the RCM to enter Crash Mode because the sensor is no longer detected. Some Ford models allow to reset Crash Mode for a maximum of 5-times while other Ford models require the RCM to be replaced and reprogrammed.

That's a lot of good and useful information, I found the correct sensor, the one I was looking at is a connection to operate a set of flaps in front of the radiator and the impact sensor was actually located at the top just under the bonnet, it was a Del boy "mange tout" moment.

Anyway the sensor seems ok and puts out 2.5ohms as should and also registers additional codes when it was disconnected. (I did disconnect the battery each time I messed with the sensor) so it now brings me to the clock wheel behind the steering wheel but I need to buy a 2.5ohm resistor to test the wires by bypassing the air bag and clock wheel, "yes again I will disconnect and remove the airbag first" so as not to explode in my face.

Also I do have Forscan and used it for a long while on my truck, wife's car and especially when I did the engine swap on this van last year, but got frustrated as my V linker has recently stopped connecting, it's really annoying hence buying the Launch and still learning basic use of it.

4 hours ago, Theshed said:

Just thought.

Disconnect the sensor on the opposite side, battery disconnected. Reconnect battery and run RCM DTC. 

The same fault should appear on the opposite side if you have correct sensor.

As has been suggested do not be fooled by 'Driver - Passenger', with RCM faults all is often not as it appears.

Only 1 sensor on this vehicle.

That's interesting, having radiator flaps but only one crash sensor, I assume it is in the centre ?

Why did you think it was a crash sensor fault ?

I've just re-read the post and 'Driver Restraint Malfunction' would suggest a seat belt issue. Dunno about the Courier but you may have pre-tensioner on the buckle and seat belt reel.

Usually orange wires with yellow plugs, may be part of the seat loom.