0013 - Driver airbag firing circuit, resistance too high airbag control unit fault

What does error code 0013 mean in the airbag control unit?

In Aston Martin vehicles, the error code 0013 reports that the resistance in the driver airbag squib circuit is too high, depending on the form also in a single firing stage. The airbag control unit stores the fault as soon as the resistance is detected and switches on the airbag warning light.

The squib circuit of the driver airbag is affected, meaning the electrical connection through which the control unit triggers the driver airbag in the event of a crash.

A resistance in the squib circuit that is too high deviates from the intended value, and that is exactly what error code 0013 reports.

How do you recognise error code 0013?

Error code 0013 is recognised by an airbag warning light that stays on permanently and does not go out by itself. The code is stored in the fault memory of the airbag control unit, cannot be permanently erased and is read out with a diagnostic tool, so the squib circuit can be checked in a targeted way.

The airbag warning light therefore indicates a fault that the control unit has itself detected in the squib circuit.

Clearing the code only helps temporarily, because the fault is stored in the fault memory again afterwards.

What causes error code 0013?

Error code 0013 is triggered by faults in the squib circuit, which can arise from connectors, cables, the airbag module or the control unit itself. Which point is affected only becomes apparent when the connections and the driver airbag are checked, so the cause cannot be read from the code alone.

• Connectors or contacts in the squib circuit are loose, oxidised or corroded by moisture
• Cables to the driver airbag are damaged or have a contact fault
• The driver airbag module itself is faulty
• The control unit itself is faulty

Whether the connector, the cable or the module is affected is determined by testing the squib circuit at a specialist workshop.

In which vehicles does error code 0013 occur?

The error code 0013 is known in Aston Martin vehicles, for example on the Cygnet, DB11, DB12, DBS, DBX, Rapide, Vanquish and Vantage models. The code is also known on the Virage model and on other vehicles of the same make.

The meaning may differ for other vehicles, and the list is not complete. Please check whether your model appears in this selection before taking further steps. If in doubt, reading out the fault memory will confirm whether the code is present on your vehicle.

How is error code 0013 resolved?

Error code 0013 is resolved by first having the fault memory read out with a diagnostic tool and narrowing down the cause. If the cause lies in connectors, cables or the driver airbag module, these are checked at a specialist workshop, and if it lies in the control unit, the unit is sent to Airbag24 for repair.

Working on the airbag system should be left to qualified professionals. This applies to checking the squib circuit as well as to removing the control unit.

If the cause lies in the control unit itself, disconnect the battery first and only then remove the airbag control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit to Airbag24. 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.