Airbag control unit with part number 13251079

What does the airbag control unit 13251079 do?

The airbag control unit 13251079 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Opel. It processes the measured values of the crash sensors, determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system continuously.

The unit passes on faults it finds via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, so that you can keep track of the state of the system without a workshop test.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. Nothing more can be said at this point, because the consequences only become apparent when the control unit is handled.

Why does the control unit 13251079 fail?

With the 13251079, the most common cause is a crash data record stored after an accident, even without a triggered airbag, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Added to this are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

Crash data is created in the accident and remains in the memory, even if the impact was minor and no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot access this data.

The other causes affect both the electronics and the surroundings. Aged components gradually lose reliability, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion affect the contacts at the plugs. Voltage spikes from a weak battery or from jump-starting also put a strain on the circuit.

How can you tell that the 13251079 is defective?

A defect on the 13251079 shows when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently. In addition there may be a fault message in the instrument cluster, no connection to the diagnostic tool, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy in an emergency.

This warning must be taken seriously, because the warning light shows the state of the system directly. It flashes or stays lit as long as the control unit reports a fault, and does not go out by itself.

A fault memory that cannot be reset points to a fault that goes beyond a simple restart. A closer examination of the system is then required.

Which vehicles is the 13251079 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 13251079 is fitted in these vehicles: Opel Astra H (2004-2009). You can clarify whether your car is among them using the details in the vehicle registration document.

The list of affected vehicles looks like this:

• Opel Astra H (2004-2009)

Two things matter before removal, which you should consider separately. (a) Comparing the part number on the label of the unit with this page only confirms that you have the right unit. (b) Having the fault memory read out shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 13 181 977 DU, 13 188 857, 13 249 347 ST, 13 251 080 EC, 13 251 081, 13 251 084 EH.

How does the repair of the 13251079 work?

Processing at Airbag24 normally takes 3–4 working days. Beforehand, you have the fault memory read out, attach the log, disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create the repair order online; then you send the unit in well packed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit goes back to you.

The 3–4 working days apply only to these steps at Airbag24, not to your steps or to shipping.

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 13251079 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 13251079 to us as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel, and pack the unit so that it withstands impacts.