Aston Martin DBS airbag control unit repair⁽²⁾

What should I pay attention to with Aston Martin DBS airbag control units?

With Aston Martin DBS airbag control units, the key point is that after a crash they store crash data and then lock themselves. Airbag24 repairs the control unit you send in. The airbag system is safety-relevant and should only be handled by a specialist workshop.

The airbag control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system in the Aston Martin DBS. It analyses the signals from the crash sensors, triggers the airbags and the belt tensioners in an emergency, and monitors the entire system. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light shows it.

After a crash, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. The crash data must be properly deleted before the system is operational again.

If the airbag warning light is on, have the fault memory read by a specialist workshop.

Which Aston Martin DBS generations are there?

The Aston Martin DBS was built in two model series with different control units and part numbers: the VH series from 2007 to 2012 and the second generation from 2018 to 2023. The model year and part number show which series your vehicle belongs to.

The VH series was built from 2007 to 2012. The second generation of the DBS followed from 2018 to 2023. According to our vehicle assignment, both series use different control unit part numbers.

• VH (2007–2012): earlier series with its own part numbers, assignment by part number and model year
• 2. Generation (2018–2023): second generation of the DBS with its own part number

The construction periods come from our vehicle assignment. The model year of your vehicle is what counts.

How do I identify my Aston Martin DBS airbag control unit?

The part number on the label of the control unit determines the exact version. Together with the model year and equipment of your vehicle, it lets you assign the right variant.

The part number is on the label of the control unit and shows which version is installed. It tells the VH series apart from the second generation, for example.

Also check the model year and equipment of the vehicle. For the VH series, our assignment also names the supplier Continental.

These part numbers are recorded in our assignment. The list does not claim to be complete:

• HY53-14C246-AE (2. Generation)
• CG43-37-11330 (VH)
• DD33-14C246-AA (VH)

Examples from our assignment are the fault codes 0005 (battery voltage too low), 0006 (battery voltage too high) and 0013 (resistance too high in the driver airbag firing circuit, stage 1). A single fault code alone does not prove a defect in the control unit.

What airbag equipment does the Aston Martin DBS have?

The Aston Martin DBS comes as standard with airbags for the driver and front passenger. Which side and head airbags were fitted depends on the model year and equipment and should be checked in the owner's manual of the vehicle.

For the VH series, dual-stage airbags on both front seats are documented. For us, it is not clearly documented which side airbags were standard in each model year.

For the second generation, dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger and front side airbags are standard according to the available information. Whether head or curtain airbags and a knee airbag are fitted is not clearly documented.

Here is how the repair works: first have the fault memory read by a specialist workshop. There, a specialist disconnects the battery and removes the control unit. Do not do this yourself: work on the airbag system belongs in qualified hands. Then place a repair order online and send in the control unit.

Processing usually takes 3–4 working days and covers checking, repairing and testing.

The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use immediately after reinstallation — no coding or programming is needed.