On the 1997 ford escort the airbag control module is installed directly underneath the heater core. On my car the heater core developed a leak and antifreeze flowed over the airbag control module and the electrical connector associated with it. This resulted in burnt insulation on the wiring for the airbag control and blowing the associated fuse. It came very close to causing a fire. The main problem with this is that you do not get indications of an antifreeze leak until it is to late and the air bag system is no longer usable.
1997 Ford Escort visibility complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 31 of 31, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The heater core sprung a leak. This is the second time this has happened within 15 months. I caught the problem before any damage occured. The first time there was extensive damage. The air bag and PCM modules were damaged by the heater core leak. There also was a fire from the PCM and air bag module. This damage cost $1500. The dealer will not fix the problem because it is out of warranty by 3 months. I have found out that there are many cars that are expierencing this problem.
Heater core is leaking causing fluid to get into air bag sensor and as a result the air bag light flashes off/on, the engine stalls while driving dealer replaced the computer, some electrical wire were replaced because the car began to smoke.*ak
Consumer states there is a fine mist coming out of right climate vent, developing film on outside of windshield, possible heater core, A/C leak or A/C condenstation. Also getting a noise when blower motor is running. Heater/air conditioner blower motor, air conditioner blower resistor, and blower motor wiring harness have been replaced. Air conditioning system disodorized.
There's a leak from the heater core to the air-bag monitor (and other places) which has caused the air-bag warning light to light up, and coolant to be emitted through the rear-passenger air vent onto the floor of the car. There are many previous complaints from others about the same thing, yet no recall, so hopefully adding my complaint will help. I will have to replace the air bag monitor and the heater core, but somebody could have been seriously hurt because this leak could cause (and has caused with others) fire and/or unexpected air-bag deployment resulting in crash and/or other problems. Ford should recall this item and have it fixed!!!
Consumer stated there was a very fine mist coming from the vent and there was a noise when blower motor was on, the dealer replaced motor assembly for the air conditioner and heater.
Driver's side air bag deployed while vehicle was parked, causing windshield to blowout.
Heater core leaked onto air bag sensor and module causing air bag warning light to come on. Had to replace heater core,air bag sensor and module.
Heater core failure resulted in failure of airbag system due to placement of airbag computer without moisture shield.
Vehicle was going 65mph and slowing down to 30mph while still accelerating. Heater core was leaking onto computer for airbag module. This was the second time it happened.*akthe leaking heater core caused alot of damage to the airbag, spark plugs, ignition cable, and oxygen sensors. Consumer paid out of pocket for damaged parts. Heater core replaced under warranty.
Consumer had left vehicle at repair shop for the transmission to be checked and to find out why a light in the dash had illuminated, consumer was informed that the heater core had a hole in it, when demanding her vehicle back, she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire under the dash and that the windshield was burned, nobody contacted her to let her know about the fire, claim 24-5124-338.
Vehicle experienced passenger compartment fire, it appears to have started at the ignition switch, consumer suspects the fire was due to a prior collision, however an inspector stated the heater core was leaking into the ecs module, this caused a short in the wiring harness, thus causing the fire, claim 40-2188-822.
Windshield wiper motor does not work properly which causes wires to blow a fuse. Contacted dealer, and did not know what to do.
The heater core leaked onto the air bag diagnostic module, causing it to short out and catch on fire. This item was replaced along with the heater core for a cost of $955.00. I had to remove the battery cable to keep the car from catching on fire and burning up, the service manager at stegall ford in pontotoc stated I should not have this problem again because the new part was sealed in plastic. I believe this is a serious design flaw after looking at your odi id logs of 865884,867236,845896 and 845837 along with numerous air bag deployments for this model car for no reason. I believe this part was changed by ford and should have been recalled on all models. I work as a design engineer and if an electrical item is subject to moisture injestion, it should be sealed or potted to eliminate shorts and failure. The placement of this module under the heater core was wrong, I notified ford and they only apoligized for the heater core leak, they did not acknowlege anything about the air bag module, I again notified them that they should be responsible for payment on this item, since the design had been changed, they have not replied to this in over a week, stating it would only take 3 days for a reply. To me this is a serious issue, I have worked in the past under fda guidelines in the medical industry with reporting and I do not like the way this is being handled by ford, they are acting like they are trying to hide something, a persons life or personal injury is not something to sweep under the rug, although no one in my family sustained any injury, they could have, I will now try to sell this car as soon as I am able. Thank you jeffrey l plunk
Consumer left vehicle at repair shop to determine why a light in the dash was illuminating, dealer stated that the heater core had a hole in it, consumer saw that vehicle had caught fire under the dash and that the windshield was burned, claim 24-5124-338.
Was driving vehicle when suddenly rear passenger side window was shattered. Nothing had hit it.
Vehicle experienced fire in the passenger compartment, fire may have started in ignition switch, consumer feels the fire may have occurred due to a prior collision, heater core leaking into the ecs module, causing a short in the wiring harness, claim 40-2188-822.
The air intake for the heating and A/C system is right at the opening between the windshield and hood, and no grate covers it. Leaves get into the system. They spit out at you when you run the A/C or heat. When A/C runs, they plug up drain, and water sloshes around in compartment and gets into interior. When heater runs, burning leaves can be smelled.
Engine check light comes on and stays on for long periods of time, although nothing is mechanically wrong with the car. The defroster stays on when button is not engaged.
Wipers suddenly failed to work while driving in a rain storm and passing a semi-truck.
Defroster does not work properly.
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