yo!
51 Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Internal Thermal Fuse � Fuse Blown Due to Intermittent Short to ground
The thermal fuse is located inside the air bag module ,,,and it not serviceable,,,you have to replace the air bag module
AFTER finding da short.
This is for a Taurus, but similar; my 96's EVTM/PCED disc is @ home so maybe this will help for now.
DTC 51 The diagnostic monitor contains an internal thermal fuse that is not serviceable. "...The thermal fuse is controlled by the diagnostic monitor. The diagnostic monitor will blow the thermal fuse whenever a short on the deployment circuits occurs. The thermal fuse does not blow because of excessive current flowing through it. DO NOT attempt to jumper out the thermal fuse with a circuit breaker or any other type of fuse. WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL A NEW DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR UNTIL THE SHORT HAS BEEN LOCATED AND CORRECTED.
The diagnostic monitor measures the voltages at the diagnostic monitor connector Pins. When certain air bag deployment wires are shorted to ground (heavy lines illustrated in the electrical schematic above), the system may become susceptible to unwanted deployment of the air bag(s). The diagnostic monitor
senses a short to ground on any of these circuits and helps prevent unwanted air bag deployment by blowing the diagnostic monitor thermal fuse.
Blowing this fuse removes all power (battery and back-up power) from the air bag deployment circuits. While the short to ground exists, the monitor will flash diagnostic trouble code 13 or code 14, depending on where the short appears (see code 13 and 14 for more details).
If the short to ground is intermittent and temporarily corrects itself, the diagnostic monitor will flash code 51.
NOTE: If the short to ground returns, the higher priority codes 13 or 14 will be flashed instead of 51.
If the Air Bag indicator is flashing code 51 and a short to ground has not been serviced, this means that an intermittent short to ground exists in the air bag system. The diagnostic monitor should be replaced only after service of the intermittent short has been completed.
Some service tips for finding an intermittent short to ground are: 1. Consult OASIS (Restraint Systems service Code 104000) for up to date diagnostics and descriptions of wiring concern locations for the vehicle (VIN number) you are working on.
OASIS is updated daily using concern descriptions from engineering and Dealership Service sources. 2. Inspect wiring and harnesses in areas where they
pass through or are located next to metal components (i.e. engine compartment bulkhead, body sheet metal, component mounting brackets, etc.)
Code 51 After Air Bag Deployment NOTE: Diagnostic monitors can withstand several air bag deployments and do not need to be replaced after every deployment. Only replace the diagnostic monitor if it is damaged. Occasionally, after an air bag deploys, the internal wiring of the air bag(s) may become shorted to the metal housings of the air bag(s). This internal air bag short is detected by the diagnostic monitor as a short to ground in the air bag deployment wiring. Since the diagnostic monitor is still operating immediately after most deployments, the monitor will detect the short and will flash code 13 and blow its internal thermal fuse. After the deployment, as the air bag(s) cool off, the internal shorted wiring may correct itself, therefore the short to ground will no longer exist and the diagnostic monitor will flash code 51. If a vehicle with a deployed air bag is flashing code 51, inspect the vehicle for crushed wiring, sensors, etc. and replace as required. If no damage is found, assume that the deployed air bag was the cause for the intermittent short and replace the diagnostic monitor when the new air bag(s) are installed. After a short to ground has been corrected, the diagnostic monitor will flash out Diagnostic Trouble Code 51. Diagnostic Trouble Code 51 indicates that the thermal fuse inside the diagnostic monitor is blown and the short to ground no longer exists. If a short to ground has not been located and serviced (short to ground corrected itself), consult OASIS for potential wiring shorts. If a short to ground has been correctly located and serviced then replace diagnostic monitor. DO NOT replace diagnostic monitor until the short to ground has been positively located and serviced. Replacing diagnostic monitor before servicing a short to ground will result in repeat service..."
Source: by Ford via miesk5
-------------
Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagram, Overview & Codes for 94-96 by STEVE83
http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/media/472207_1
In the diagram see the Note: "This shorting bar in the gray diagnostic monitor harness connector, Remove the plastic wedge in the gray connector before checking circuit 824 or 817 for a short to ground."
Now, I believe the ckts should be 624 or 617
for da Clock Spring/etc. ckt & Front Sensor ckts;
So, Sensor, Front Location & pics in a 96; on the left and right front radiator supports
Source: by ThetaTauMan (Rob, UTURNOB163) at SuperMotors.net
http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/17516/66626
my lousy Comcast service stinks... half the time, I can't open a SM page... no viri or adware/malware or hardware problems.. suspecting neighbor whose relative stops by their home at least 3 to 5 times a month and spends time on da Pole...
best bet is to spend about $7 to $12.00 on the Ford EVTM/PCED... it has saved me much $$$ !!!! See Steve83 for one.. very reliable!
DISABLE PROCEDURE AND TIME (Always Check the Service Manual)
* Disconnect And Shield Positive And Negative Battery Cables... etc.....