Airbag control unit with part number 13246041

What does the airbag control unit 13246041 do?

The airbag control unit 13246041 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Opel. It checks the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

During operation, the unit monitors the system continuously and shows faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, it stores crash data and then locks itself.

Why does the control unit 13246041 fail?

Crash data stored after an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it; in the control unit 13246041, Airbag24 removes it during the repair. Other causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plugs, and voltage spikes.

The crash data is stored information. It explains why the unit cannot be read out cleanly, without a component necessarily being damaged.

The remaining causes relate to ageing, moisture and the power supply. A weak battery or jump-starting can cause voltage spikes that overload the electronics.

How can you tell that the 13246041 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently, indicating a fault in the control unit 13246041. An error message may also appear, the diagnostic tool may fail to find a connection, or the fault memory may not be clearable; in that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a real emergency.

The light is a warning signal, not a cosmetic issue, even if the vehicle otherwise drives normally.

Have the fault memory read out as soon as the light appears, and do not wait.

Which vehicles is the 13246041 fitted in?

The control unit 13246041 is fitted in this vehicle: Opel Astra H (2004-2009). The assignment is made via the part number.

The list of vehicles we have assigned to this part number follows.

• Opel Astra H (2004-2009)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, and you will know it is the matching unit. Having the fault memory read out clarifies whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is 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 13246041 work?

Have the fault memory read out, enclose the log and disconnect the battery; only then remove the control unit 13246041. Create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own unit is returned to you afterwards.

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 13246041 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 13246041 in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 brings it back to you by UPS.

The parcel contains the printed repair order, and the unit itself is packed shock-proof.