I bought a 2008 F150 that was hit in the front. Now that I repaired the front, I need to address the air bag light. It is flashing a code 13. No bags were deployed, at least they were good when I got it. I would like to know what the code means and how to go about repairing the truck.

 

13 is a possible short in the air bag circuit. Recheck all your work for a possible pinched wire or shorted sensor.

 

The only thing I messed with was the front crash sensor. I had to remove it to replace the core support. What should I be checking?

 

It sounds like this system was in a deployment condition; the condition was repaired, and the light stayed on. The new RCM's (and certainly this one) must be replaced once a deployment (accident) has occured. These systems are really different from the older systems in that the older systems just monitored a hardwired system and the newer ones can determine which airbags to deploy, and at what speed.

 

Is the RCM a dealer only item?

 

usually, yes