0006 - Battery voltage too high airbag control unit fault

What does error code 0006 mean in the airbag control unit?

Error code 0006 reports on Aston Martin vehicles that the battery voltage is too high, meaning it lies above the permitted range. The voltage supply to the airbag system is therefore affected, and the airbag control unit stores this fault in the fault memory and switches on the airbag warning light in the vehicle.

The airbag control unit relies on a voltage within the permitted range. The code therefore indicates that the supply lies outside this range.

The code identifies the voltage as the problem, not the individual component causing it.

How do you recognise error code 0006?

Error code 0006 is recognised by a permanently lit airbag warning light together with an entry in the fault memory of the airbag control unit. The entry cannot be permanently erased and becomes visible every time it is read out with a diagnostic tool that reads the memory of the airbag system.

A warning light that stays on is a sign of a stored fault. However, it does not state the cause.

The light and the entry together show that something is wrong in the airbag system, before the cause has been established.

What causes error code 0006?

Error code 0006 can be caused, among other things, by a charging system that charges the battery too much, by voltage spikes, for example when jump-starting, and by faults in the airbag control unit itself. Which cause applies in each case must be shown by a targeted check of the battery, charging system and control unit in the vehicle.

• a faulty alternator voltage regulator that does not limit the charging voltage
• voltage spikes in the vehicle electrical system, for example from an incorrectly connected charger
• aged electronic components or damaged solder joints in the airbag control unit
• moisture or corrosion in the airbag control unit

In which vehicles does error code 0006 occur?

Error code 0006 is known on Aston Martin vehicles, namely on models such as the DB7 Mk1, the DB9 VH, the DBX 1st generation, the Vantage 2nd generation and the Vanquish Mk3. The meaning of the code applies to Aston Martin as a whole, even if not every model is listed individually.

This list is a selection and not complete; on other vehicles the meaning of error code 0006 may differ. It is therefore worth having the fault memory read out on your specific vehicle to see whether the code is actually stored.

How is error code 0006 resolved?

First, have the fault memory read out with a diagnostic tool at a specialist workshop, because only the code read out identifies the exact fault. Only then does it become clear whether the battery, the charging system or the airbag control unit in the vehicle is behind the excessive voltage.

The specialist workshop checks the battery and charging system first, because excessive voltage can arise there. Work on the airbag system belongs in qualified hands.

If the cause lies in the control unit, disconnect the battery before removal and remove the airbag control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit to our workshop in Berlin. Checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days.

The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.