Questions and Answers

Ford Taurus Air Bag Code 23 Q. I am the owner of a 1997 Ford Taurus that I've had for over two years now. Even though its not the most reliable vehicle on the road it's all I have. Anyway enough of that small talk, I would like to get your comments and advice on a problem that I'm having with my vehicle.

The air bag indicator light stays on to which my horn nor cruise buttons work therefore can you give me your advice on how to handle this problem. The light will come on then go off then come on and flash three times, then go off then come on and flash another three times then go off then come on and stay on for good.

I am unable financially to try to go have it checked or fixed at this time so let me know what the problems could or might be and if I can try to do tactics to resolve it myself. However, if the problems could be major please give me a time frame that I should go to have it checked.

My understanding though is that the air bag should not deploy while the vehicle is running, correct? The light has been on since Wednesday of last week just to give you an idea of how long this has been happening.

• 1997 Ford Taurus
• 3.0 liter V-6
• Automatic transmission
• 80,000 miles
• Fuel Injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S, A/C, Cruise control

Thanks,
Tiffany

A. Okay, if I'm understanding you correctly, there is two long flashes and three short flashes. If this is the case, then the SRS Air Bag system has detected a fault and stored a DTC. In this case, code 23. In this case DTC 23, or B1923, is "Memory Clear Circuit Improperly Grounded". There are two possibilities for this code. One is a bad or broken ground connection or a bad Air Bag Control Module.

If you are saying the horn and cruise control do not work also, then it is a good possibility the Clockspring Assembly/Spiral Cable in the steering wheel is bad.

The air bag will not deploy while driving. In fact this code indicates the air bag system is disabled. If you decide to have it repaired, you should do it before your next accident.