Airbag control unit with part number 13188854

What does the airbag control unit 13188854 do?

The 13188854 is the SRS control unit for Opel. It evaluates the sensor data and decides in a crash whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It indicates faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit continuously monitors sensors, wiring and firing circuits for plausibility.

After a crash, the unit records crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 13188854 fail?

Stored crash data is most often the cause of failure in the 13188854, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool does not erase it. Other causes are essentially ageing, solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes.

The further causes can be roughly classified as follows:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

Crash data remains in the unit regardless of the consequences of the accident. Anyone who only checks the plug overlooks it.

How can you tell that the 13188854 is defective?

A defect in the 13188854 shows up through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up constantly or intermittently, as well as through a fault message in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool then cannot reach the control unit, and the fault memory remains. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly fail to deploy.

A fault memory that cannot be erased is also among the signs of a problem in the system.

Such indications deserve prompt attention.

Which vehicles is the 13188854 fitted in?

This assignment to vehicles applies to Opel. The control unit 13188854 is fitted in these vehicles: Opel Astra H (2004-2009); Opel Zafira B (2005-2014).

The individual vehicles are listed in this overview:

• Opel Astra H (2004-2009)
• Opel Zafira B (2005-2014)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page ensures that the correct unit is at hand. Only the fault memory read out beforehand shows whether the control unit is actually defective. A plug or a cable can equally be the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1232168, 13 181 977 DU, 13 188 857, 13 249 347 ST, 13 251 080 EC, 13 251 081.

How does the repair of the 13188854 work?

You have the fault memory of the 13188854 read out first and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery; only after that remove the control unit. Processing at Airbag24 generally takes 3–4 working days.

Create the repair order online. Then pack the unit well and send it in. On the test bench, Airbag24 checks it, defective components are replaced, stored crash data is erased, and a function test concludes the work. Your own unit comes back.

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 13188854 get to Airbag24?

The control unit 13188854 reaches Airbag24 by parcel or via a UPS collection booked for an extra charge. The return after repair is by UPS.

Packed shockproof and with the printed repair order in the parcel, the unit is properly prepared.