B2987 Ford Code - Deployable Steering Column Circuit Resistance Low On Squib
Quick Answer
As part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), the vehicle is equipped with a deployable steering column. Common causes include Faulty Steering Column, Steering Column harness is open or shorted, Steering Column circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
- What it means
- B2987 Ford indicates Deployable Steering Column Circuit Resistance Low On Squib.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Steering Column, Steering Column harness is open or shorted, Steering Column circuit poor electrical connection.
- Severity
- High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
- Can I drive?
- Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Code B2987 Ford Description
The RCM checks the deployable steering column circuits for faults. If the RCM detects low resistance on either circuit, it will store Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B2987 in memory and illuminate the air bag indicator.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B2987 Ford?
- Faulty Steering Column
- Steering Column harness is open or shorted
- Steering Column circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)
How to Fix the DTC B2987 Ford?
Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the B2987 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
Need more information about the B2987 Ford code?
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Get the B2987 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area
Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service
- Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
- Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
- Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
- Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.
Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.
Frequently Asked Questions about B2987 Ford Code
1. What does the OBDII code B2987 mean on a Ford vehicle?
The code B2987 indicates that the deployable steering column circuit has a low resistance issue in the squib, which is part of the airbag system.
2. What are the symptoms of the B2987 code in a Ford?
Common symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light, a diagnostic trouble code stored in the system, and potentially limited functionality of the deployable steering column.
3. What causes the B2987 code to appear?
This code can be caused by damaged wiring or connectors, a faulty squib, corrosion on terminals, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.
4. Is it safe to drive with the B2987 code present?
It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it may indicate a problem with the airbag system that could affect its functionality in an accident.
5. How do you diagnose the B2987 code in a Ford?
Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to confirm the code, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the resistance of the steering column squib circuit.
6. Can a faulty clock spring cause the B2987 code?
Yes, a faulty clock spring can cause issues in the deployable steering column circuit, leading to the B2987 code.
7. What is the deployable steering column squib?
The squib is a component of the airbag system responsible for deploying the steering column mechanism during a collision to enhance safety.
8. How is the B2987 code fixed?
Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning corroded terminals, fixing or replacing the clock spring, or replacing the airbag control module if necessary.
9. Can clearing the B2987 code solve the issue?
Clearing the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but the underlying issue must be fixed to prevent the code from returning.
10. What tools are needed to troubleshoot the B2987 code?
You will typically need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to check resistance, and possibly wiring diagrams to trace the circuit.
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