Abarth 500 airbag control unit repair⁽¹⁾

What should be noted about Abarth 500 airbag control units?

The airbag control unit of the Abarth 500 evaluates the crash sensors, triggers airbags and belt tensioners in an accident, and monitors the entire airbag system. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light on the dashboard comes on. Airbag24 repairs your own control unit, which you send to us, in our workshop in Berlin.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. During the repair, the crash data is erased, and the unit is checked and repaired.

A control unit can become defective through ageing and wear of the electronics, overvoltage, moisture at plugs and contacts, or communication faults on the CAN bus. Which cause applies only becomes clear when the unit is tested.

Which Abarth 500 generations are there?

The Abarth 500 was built in two series: the 312 series from 2008 to 2015 and the facelifted 312 series since 2016. The year of manufacture gives a first indication of which series applies.

• 312 (2008–2015) – Original series of the Abarth 500.
• 312 Facelift (since 2016) – Revised series, still in production.

The 312 series forms the basis of the Abarth 500 and was built from 2008 to 2015. The facelift from 2016 revised the series.

Which control unit is fitted in a specific vehicle is shown by the part number on the unit. The year of manufacture alone is not enough, because variants can differ within one series.

How do I identify my Abarth 500 airbag control unit?

The part number on the label of the control unit determines the exact version. The year of manufacture and the equipment of your vehicle also help with the assignment.

Note the part number before removal, as it is the most important point of reference for the assignment. The following part numbers are on record for the Abarth 500; the list does not claim to be complete:

• 51848079
• 51918659
• 51963734
• 52191343

The units on record come from the supplier Continental. Our documentation lists, among others, the fault codes U0151 (communication with the airbag control unit lost) and B0001 (driver airbag ignition circuit interrupted). A fault code alone does not prove a defect in the control unit; the cause is only determined by testing.

What airbag equipment does the Abarth 500 have?

The Abarth 500 is fitted with several airbags, including driver and front passenger airbags as well as side airbags. The exact equipment depends on the year of manufacture and trim level and can be checked on your own vehicle.

According to available vehicle information, the 312 series has seven airbags in total. These include driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and a driver knee airbag. For the facelift from 2016, the same applies: what matters is the actual equipment of your own vehicle.

So the control unit reaches us for repair: first have the fault memory read. Then disconnect the battery; a specialist workshop should remove the control unit, as the airbag system is safety-relevant. Then create a repair order online and send the unit to us.

Processing usually takes 3–4 working days: testing, repairing, testing. The repaired control unit returns with all vehicle data and is ready for use immediately after reinstallation — no coding or programming is required.