2005 Ford Escape Airbag code 16 - corrective actions?

Question

We have a 2005 Ford Escape XLS that has the airbag light on the dashboard illuminated with error code 16.

After some searching I found how to get the error code by counting the sequence of flashes before the light remains sold. The sequence is one flash, pause, 6 flashes for an error code of 16

The only information I can find about this error is that it is:

passenger occupant classification system fault

Troubleshooting steps completed:

• Removed and reinserted connectors under passenger seat
• Cleaned all connectors under passenger seat
• Disconnected the vehicle battery for a period of 5 minutes
• Cleaned seat-belt release

Observations:

• If I sit in the passenger seat and start the vehicle, the trouble light doesn't illuminate.
• If I buckle the passenger seat belt, with no passenger, the passenger airbag disabled indicator light on the center console will occasionally flash. Occasionally it will remain solid for the entire trip.

Based on the above troubleshooting steps and error code, what is the ultimate resolution to this problem?

Do additional steps need to be performed?

Note: I was thinking of replacing the entire seat but want to rule out the main module or other components I may not have thought of.

Answer 1

I had looked at this and didn't realize it was an Escape. A friend of mine has one with the exact same problem. I would put money on it not being the sensor, but the connector you've cleaned. Not that cleaning it would have caused any further issues. This is a common problem with the Escapes.

The easiest way to fix the issue is to remove the connector all together and solder the wires together. To do this, cut the connector out, realizing the alignment of the wires (I believe they are different color combos on each side of the connector). Solder the ends together, then use heat shrink to seal the solder joints up. The only issue with doing this is it is permanent. Unless you cut the wires or unsolder them, removing the seat in the future will be problematic. You shouldn't have a problem with this airbag sensor again, though.