Beeping - Getting worse

[Codex]

Recently, whilst normal road driving, we have been getting a beeping from somewhere behind the dashboard. It happens apparently randomly after no obvious driving maneuver but is always the same set of beeps. Five beeps, one second on, one second off followed by a short pause and then the five beep cycle repeated a further four times.

Now this sounds like some sort of diagnostic code to me, but I can't find out what it's indicating. Could it be something like the transmission getting hot?
All levels appear to be correct.

As this is happening more often, if anyone could offer help it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
AJ

 

[gijoecam]

IIRC, the beep happens when the airbag light is burnt out. Replace the bulb and the beeping should stop.

I think....

-Joe

 

[Codex]

Cheers Joe,

You just wouldn't believe how hard it is to get technical info this side of the pond. Strange that it doesn't occur every time the engine is started and often after being driven for a while, however I'll give it a go and see what happens.

Can anyone confirm this diagnosis, or offer an alternative view?

Thanks
AJ

 

[pax]

Turn the ignition key to the on position, don't start it. The SRS air bag amber light should light up for a few second and then turn off to test the light bulbs. The light is just below and to the right of the RPM gauge on mine.

 

[exploded99]

Tes, 5 x 5 beeps are the substitute for a burned out ABS light. When you fix the light, you will have an ABS problem to locate.

 

[Codex]

Thanks for those pointers. I'll get both the SRS and ABS lights checked out.

Cheers
AJ

 

[gijoecam]

That could be.... forgot about the ABS... the air bag light is six beeps, isn't it?

-Joe

 

[exploded99]

Oh, heck. I meant to say airbags. I have no idea why I typed abs.

So SRS is correct. Sorry for the brain fart Codex

 

[Codex]

Thanks guys,

The Haynes manual and multimeter are ready. Just need the time
now.

Regards.
AJ

 

[gijoecam]

Found this to confirm it in the manual:

Restraints Control Module (RCM)

The restraints control module (RCM) carries out 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 safety sensor is internal to the RCM and is not serviced 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 prove out by lighting for six seconds and then off for two seconds. After the prove out, the air bag indicator will then flash the two-digit LFC. If an SRS fault exists, 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, to the 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 a deployment is required. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy approximately one minute after the battery ground cable is disconnected.

 

[Codex]

Gijoecam, you're a star.

Have now replaced the faulty SRS light bulb, and as per your post the lamp illuminates for five seconds at start up before going out.

After some driving the lamp begins to flash the 37 LFC code five times before remaining on, until switch off.

Does the manual or any other documentation give a description of what the 37 LFC code is?

Cheers

AJ

P.S. Which manual were you using? Have seen the workshop one advertised on line at quite a high price.

 

[gijoecam]

The service manual will show the LFC listing..... unfortunately mine's at work. PM or E-mail me to remind me Monday AM and I can check for you (unless someone beats me to it before then)

Oh, and I use the Ford service manuals right off the Ford Intranet. I work for Ford, so I've got some connections. I've seen the service CDs advertised on Ebay for around $10, and have a few of them myself..... somewhere in this sty I call an office! Make sure you get the OEM Ford CDs, not the Chilton or Haynes ones if you're looking.

-Joe