Chevrolet Caprice airbag control unit repair⁽²⁾

What should I pay attention to with Chevrolet Caprice airbag control units?

The airbag control unit of the Chevrolet Caprice evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, controls the airbags and reports system faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. Airbag24 repairs the control unit of your vehicle that you send in.

The control unit is the central component of passive occupant protection. It assesses the sensor data and decides whether an impact is severe enough to trigger the restraint systems. In an accident, the control unit triggers the airbags and belt tensioners.

A system fault usually shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. If the light stays on permanently, a specialist workshop should have the fault memory read out. A single fault code does not prove a defect in the control unit, however, as the cause can also lie in sensors, wiring or the power supply.

Which Chevrolet Caprice generations are there?

For the Chevrolet Caprice we distinguish two model series: the 4. Generation from 1991 to 1996 and the WM generation from 2011 to 2017. Which control unit fits depends on the model series and model year.

• 4. Generation (1991–1996) – with driver airbag; the passenger airbag was added during the production period
• WM (2011–2017) – with front, head and side airbags; knee airbags depending on model year

Within a model series, equipment and control unit variant can differ by model year. Check the assignment by model year and part number, not by model name alone.

How do I identify my Chevrolet Caprice airbag control unit?

The part number on the label of the control unit determines the exact version. Before you request a repair, make sure you know the model year and equipment of your vehicle. The part number is on the unit itself; model year and equipment are listed in the vehicle documents.

Known part numbers, without any claim to completeness:

• 1228874
• 13518048

Examples of codes in the fault memory are B1000 for an internal performance fault of the control unit, B0012 for a fault in the firing circuit of the driver's steering wheel airbag and B0052 for a stored crash record. A code on its own does not prove a defect; a workshop has to evaluate it.

Which airbag equipment does the Chevrolet Caprice have?

The airbag equipment of the Chevrolet Caprice depends on model series, model year and trim. In the 4. Generation a driver airbag is part of the equipment; in the WM generation front, head and side airbags are also documented.

In the 4. Generation the driver airbag is fitted in the steering wheel, while the passenger airbag in the dashboard was added during the production period. For the WM generation, front airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags at the front and side thorax airbags in the front seat backrests are documented. Whether knee airbags are fitted depends on the model year.

For the repair, have the fault memory read out at a specialist workshop; there the battery is disconnected and the control unit removed, as only specialist workshops should work on the airbag system. Then create a repair order online with Airbag24 and send the control unit in, well packed. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days: we check, repair and test the unit. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use immediately after refitting — neither coding nor programming is required.