Citroën C3 Picasso airbag control unit repair⁽¹⁾

What should I pay attention to with Citroën C3 Picasso airbag control units?

The airbag control unit in the Citroën C3 Picasso evaluates the crash sensors, triggers the airbags and monitors the system. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light comes on, and after an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit is connected via the vehicle wiring to the crash sensors, the airbag modules and the warning light. It stores faults in the fault memory. Whether the fault lies in the control unit itself or in the sensors and wiring can only be established by testing.

After an accident in which airbags were triggered, the control unit should be checked by a specialist workshop before the system works correctly again. Airbag24 repairs your own control unit: we delete the crash data, check the unit for faults and repair it in our workshop in Berlin.

Which Citroën C3 Picasso generations are there?

The Citroën C3 Picasso was built in two series from 2009 to 2017: the first series I and the revised series I Facelift. Model year and vehicle identification number decide which series applies.

• I (2009–2012) – first series, market launch 2009
• I Facelift (2012–2017) – revised series with model update, built until 2017

The Citroën C3 Picasso was a compact MPV. The series differ in details such as engine range and equipment, so the series should be established by model year and vehicle identification number before any repair.

How do I identify my Citroën C3 Picasso airbag control unit?

The part number on the label of the control unit determines the exact version. The model year and equipment of your vehicle must also be taken into account.

The part number is printed on the housing or label of the control unit and is the most important point of reference for identification. The following part numbers are known for this model, without claiming to be complete:

• 9677253280
• 9803837180

A fault code in the fault memory is an indication, but not yet proof of a defect in the control unit. Fault codes B0001, C601 and F00F are documented for this model, among others. Only testing in the workshop shows which cause applies.

What airbag equipment does the Citroën C3 Picasso have?

Driver and front passenger airbags are part of the standard equipment of the Citroën C3 Picasso. Front side airbags and head airbags (curtain airbags) are fitted differently depending on trim level and model year.

At market launch in 2009, front side airbags were standard according to test reports. Head airbags were available only at extra cost in the basic trim and became regular from the higher trim levels. Rear side airbags were not available at market launch.

The ADAC car catalogue lists front side airbags and head airbags as standard equipment for the Exclusive trim in both series. Which airbags your vehicle has therefore depends on model year and equipment.

This is how the repair works: have the fault memory read out. A specialist workshop then removes the control unit, disconnecting the battery in the process. Next, you create a repair order online and send in the unit. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, during which we check, repair and test the unit.

The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is immediately ready for use after reinstallation — coding or programming is not necessary.