2025 Ford Expedition & Lincoln Navigator Side Impact Sensor: Causes of the Airbag Light
This guide explains the common failures, recall information, and replacement costs for the side impact sensors on the 2025 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
- The primary symptom of a bad side impact sensor is an illuminated airbag warning light, which indicates the entire airbag system is disabled.
- A critical safety recall (NHTSA 25V439) exists for some 2025 Expedition and Navigator models for an improperly made passenger airbag module, which is a separate part but a vital safety concern for owners.
- When buying a used sensor, you must match the OEM part number (PZ3T-14B006-AB) exactly and inspect it for corrosion or damage.
- Unlike the main control module, individual side impact sensors do not typically require programming for installation.
Symptoms of a Failing Side Impact Sensor
The most common and immediate symptom of a faulty side impact sensor is the illumination of the airbag warning light on your instrument cluster. This light looks like a person sitting with a deployed airbag.
- Airbag Warning Light is On: When you start your vehicle, the airbag system runs a self-check. If it detects a problem with a sensor, a connection, or the main module, it will turn on the warning light. The light will stay on until the problem is fixed.
- Stored Fault Codes: A professional scan tool can read the Airbag Control Module and will show specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) pointing to the faulty sensor, such as 'side airbag crash sensor driver side faulty'.
Warning: When the airbag warning light is on, the entire airbag system is disabled for safety reasons. This means that in the event of an accident, NONE of the airbags (front, side, or curtain) will deploy, and the seatbelt pretensioners will not activate. This significantly increases the risk of serious injury. Do not drive the vehicle until the system has been repaired.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs for 2025 Models
While these vehicles are new, they have already been subject to a significant safety recall involving the airbag system. It is crucial for owners to be aware of this, even though it does not directly involve the side impact sensors.
NHTSA Recall 25V439000: Passenger Airbag May Deploy with Excessive Force
Ford issued a recall for certain 2025 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles built between March and May 2025. The recall, also known by Ford's number 25S51, addresses an issue where the passenger-side frontal airbag was manufactured incorrectly. This defect can cause the airbag to deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger during a crash.
- Vehicles Affected: 156 Ford Expeditions built from March 27, 2025, to May 28, 2025, and 15 Lincoln Navigators built from March 22, 2025, to May 30, 2025.
- The Fix: Dealers will replace the entire passenger-side airbag module free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed by August 15, 2025.
Pro Tip: To check if your specific vehicle is affected by this or any other recall, you can enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or contact any Ford or Lincoln dealership.
Buying a Used Side Impact Sensor
Because this is a critical safety component, extra care is needed when purchasing a used part. However, a recycled OEM sensor can be a safe and cost-effective option if you follow these guidelines.
Inspection and Compatibility
- Match the Part Number Exactly: The most important step is to verify that the part number on the used sensor is an exact match for the one you are replacing. For these vehicles, confirm the number is PZ3T-14B006-AB. Even a slight variation can mean incompatibility.
- Inspect for Damage: Do not buy a sensor that shows any signs of physical damage, such as cracks in the plastic housing or bent pins in the connector.
- Check for Corrosion: These sensors are often located in areas that can be exposed to moisture, like under the carpet or inside door panels. Look for any green or white crust on the electrical connector, as this indicates corrosion and will cause the part to fail.
- Source Vehicle History: Whenever possible, purchase a sensor from a vehicle that was not involved in a major collision or flood. A sensor from a crashed vehicle may be internally damaged, and a flood-damaged part will likely fail from corrosion.
Programming and Installation
Unlike the main Airbag Control Module, individual crash sensors typically do not require programming. If the part number is correct and the part is in good condition, it should be a direct plug-and-play replacement. After installation, the fault codes in the airbag system must be cleared with a professional-grade scan tool to turn off the warning light.
Replacement Overview
Replacing a side impact sensor is moderately difficult and requires careful handling of interior trim panels.
- Difficulty: 3 out of 5
- Common Locations: Side impact sensors are typically located on the floor under the front seats, at the base of the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors), or inside the doors. Accessing them requires removing seats, carpets, and/or door panels.
- Procedure: The first and most important step is to disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait at least 30 minutes for the airbag system's backup power to discharge. This prevents accidental deployment. After that, remove the necessary trim to access the sensor, unbolt it, disconnect the electrical connector, and install the new part in reverse order.
Cost Comparison
The cost for a side impact sensor can vary, but buying a used OEM part offers significant savings over a new dealer part.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Dealer) | $70 - $120 |
| New Aftermarket | $60 - $100 |
| Used OEM (Recycled) | $35 - $75 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $200 |
Note: Labor costs can vary based on the sensor's location. A sensor under the carpet may take more time to access than one in a door pillar. Prices are estimates as of late 2025 and do not include taxes or fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my Expedition or Navigator with the airbag light on?
No. While the vehicle will physically drive, the airbag warning light indicates that the entire Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is disabled. In a crash, no airbags will deploy, which dramatically increases the risk of injury or death. You should have the vehicle serviced immediately.
What is the difference between an impact sensor and the Airbag Control Module?
The impact sensor is a small device that detects the force of a crash. The Airbag Control Module (ACM or RCM) is the central computer that receives signals from all the impact sensors. The sensor's only job is to report a crash; the module's job is to analyze the data and decide which airbags to deploy. This article is about the sensor (the lookout), not the module (the brain).
Does a used side impact sensor need to be programmed?
No, individual impact sensors are generally not programmable. As long as you install a sensor with the exact same OEM part number, it should work once the fault codes are cleared from the main module. However, the main Airbag Control Module *does* require programming if it is replaced.
Where is the PZ3T-14B006-AB sensor located?
This part number is used for side impact sensors, which can be in several locations. The most common spots are on the vehicle floor under the front seats, at the bottom of the pillar between the front and rear doors, or inside the doors themselves. A technician would use a diagnostic tool to determine which specific sensor has failed before beginning disassembly.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: PZ3T-14B006-AB
Side Impact Crash Sensor for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Ford Expedition:
- Lincoln Navigator:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Symptoms of a Failing Side Impact Sensor
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs for 2025 Models
- NHTSA Recall 25V439000: Passenger Airbag May Deploy with Excessive Force
- Buying a Used Side Impact Sensor
- Inspection and Compatibility
- Programming and Installation
- Replacement Overview
- Cost Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
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