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The airbag technology used in the Saab 900 EV varies depending on the model year and the experimental nature of the vehicle. Airbag24 professionally repairs control units for all Saab 900 generations with original functionality and a 2-year warranty.
The Saab 900 EV, an "Experimental Vehicle" from the 1980s, was based on the robust Saab 900 chassis and served as a test platform for innovative safety and comfort technologies. Contrary to its current meaning, "EV" stood for "Experimental Vehicle" back then, not electric drive. This unique vehicle pioneered research into crash energy absorption using lightweight materials, underscoring Saab's early commitment to passive safety.
Airbag technology was still in its infancy in the 1980s and early 1990s. Early Saab 900 models, on which the EV was based, usually didn't have airbags as standard; they were only introduced as an option or standard over the course of the production years. Therefore, repairing a Saab 900 EV airbag control unit is a specialized task that requires in-depth knowledge of the development of these systems.
The Saab 900 was produced in two main generations, each of which could use different airbag control units. The development of the safety system reflects technological advances from 1978 to 1998.
The first generation of the Saab 900 was produced from 1978 to 1994 and underwent continuous improvements and facelifts during this time, affecting engines, equipment, and bodywork. Models of this generation, especially the earlier models, were often not equipped with airbags, or offered them only as a rare option.
The second generation, often referred to as the "NG900" (New Generation), was produced from 1994 to 1998. It was based on a GM platform and featured significant changes, including a transversely mounted engine and more modern electrical systems. With this generation, airbags became increasingly standard or readily available, which also led to different airbag control units.
The Saab 900 EV, as an experimental vehicle from the 1980s, falls into the context of the first generation. Its airbag control unit and associated safety systems were representative of the state of development at the time and differ significantly from those of later 900 models. The professional repair of such specific units is essential to restore their original functionality.
Saab 900 airbag control units can be uniquely identified by their part number, year of manufacture, and vehicle identification number. Each generation, and even experimental vehicles like the Saab 900 EV, use specific control unit variants for optimal compatibility.
The part number of the airbag control unit is the most reliable indicator of the exact model and compatibility. This number is usually located directly on the control unit's housing. It is essential to provide this number accurately for repairs, as even small differences in the generation or year of manufacture can result in different electronic or software versions.
Additionally, the vehicle identification number (VIN) can provide important information about the exact year of manufacture and the equipment of your Saab 900 or Saab 900 EV. For experimental vehicles like the Saab 900 EV, which may have used prototype parts, this precise identification is even more important to ensure correct repair and restore original functionality should the device become defective.
The airbag configuration of the Saab 900 varies considerably depending on the model year and trim level. While early models used basic airbag systems or were completely without them, newer generations feature enhanced safety packages with additional airbag modules.
The Saab 900, a mid-size model, was developed by Saab with a strong focus on comfort and safety. In the early years of the first generation (1978-1994), which also included the experimental Saab 900 EV, airbags were not yet standard equipment. Safety was primarily ensured by the robust body structure and sophisticated design. The Saab 900 EV itself focused on structural strength and crash absorption, laying the foundation for future passive safety systems.
It wasn't until the 1990s that airbags became more common in Saab 900 models, often starting with a driver's airbag as an option and later as standard. More comprehensive safety systems such as passenger airbags or even side airbags and ESP were introduced in later generations of the 900 series, particularly from the second generation (NG900 from 1994 onwards), or even in successor models such as the Saab 9-5. This means that a Saab 900 EV airbag control unit was designed for a relatively simple configuration, while later 900s integrated more complex systems. A faulty control unit can therefore have very different effects depending on the age and equipment of the vehicle.