Airbag control unit with part number 13288177

What does the airbag control unit 13288177 do?

The airbag control unit 13288177 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Opel. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident whether to trigger, and monitors the system continuously.

The unit reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This keeps the state of the system visible to the driver.

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

Why does the control unit 13288177 fail?

Stored crash data after an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool does not erase this data. Other causes include ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The crash data stays in the unit until the repair removes it. The fault entry remains until then, even if the vehicle drives without any visible problem.

The other causes concern electronics and connections. Solder joints can be cold, moisture and corrosion attack the plug connections, and voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or after a jump start.

How can you tell that the 13288177 is defective?

A defect shows when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up, an error message appears, the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be erased. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

• Airbag warning light lit permanently or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be erased

The warning light is the clearest indication the vehicle gives. Every indication is a reason to have the system checked.

A missing connection to the diagnostic tool does not have to lie with the control unit. Plugs and cables can also be the cause.

Which vehicles is the 13288177 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 13288177 is fitted in these vehicles: Opel Astra H (2004-2009).

The list shows the vehicles recorded for this part number.

• Opel Astra H (2004-2009)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that it is the right unit. The comparison does not establish a cause. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because the 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 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 13288177 work?

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

At Airbag24 the repair shop checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Afterwards the unit goes back to the sender. 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 13288177 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Returns after the repair are also made by UPS.

You put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.