Airbag control unit with part number 09180800

What does the airbag control unit 09180800 do?

The airbag control unit 09180800 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Opel. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In addition, the unit carries the manufacturer number Continental 5WK42904 on its housing.

Faults in the restraint system are reported by the unit via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. To do so it continuously checks whether sensors, wiring and firing stages work.

Why does the control unit 09180800 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump start.

The stored crash data remains in the unit until it is erased. This applies regardless of whether an airbag actually deployed.

Aged electronic components, cold solder joints and corrosion at plug connections develop over time. Moisture intensifies this at the contacts.

Voltage spikes load the electronics, for example when starting with a weak battery or with a jump start.

How can you tell that the 09180800 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. Then airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency.

The warning light is the direct indication in the vehicle and shows the defect. A fault message in the instrument cluster additionally confirms it.

A diagnostic tool shows whether the control unit is reachable and which entries are in the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 09180800 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 09180800 is fitted in this vehicle: Opel Astra G (1998-2004).

The list shows the vehicles recorded for this part number.

• Opel Astra G (1998-2004)

Before removal, compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page. That only ensures it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 09 229 303, 09174004UU, 09229302, 13137905, 24407201, 24416703.

How does the repair of the 09180800 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery, only then remove the control unit 09180800, and create a repair order online. Send the unit in well packed.

This sequence serves your safety and is binding. Removal begins only after the battery has been disconnected.

At Airbag24 the team checks the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Stored crash data is deleted and a function test completes the work. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, after which your own unit is returned to you. Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. 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.

How does the control unit 09180800 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 09180800 as a parcel to Airbag24 or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-resistant.