Airbag control unit with part number 13288178

What does the airbag control unit 13288178 do?

The airbag control unit 13288178 forms the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) for Opel. From the measured values of the crash sensors it calculates in an emergency, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

During operation the unit checks the system continuously for faults. If it detects one, this is indicated via the airbag warning light.

If an accident happens, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself afterwards.

Why does the control unit 13288178 fail?

The cause of the 13288178 most often lies in crash data that remained in the memory after an accident, even without a triggered airbag. A diagnostic tool cannot remove them; aged components, cold solder joints, moisture at plugs and voltage spikes are also possible.

Crash data is a record of the event. It cannot be deleted with a usual diagnostic tool.

Electronics become more susceptible to faults over time. Cold solder joints and corrosion at plug connections belong to this, as do voltage spikes that occur, for example, with a weak battery or when jump-starting.

How can you tell that the 13288178 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently as soon as the system detects a fault. In addition, a fault message appears on the 13288178 in the instrument cluster, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

In such cases the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit. If these signs appear, do not wait, because in an emergency airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly fail to deploy.

The warning light makes the state of the system visible, so a prompt check is worthwhile.

Which vehicles is the 13288178 fitted in?

Whether your car matches this part number, you can see in the list of vehicles on this page. The control unit 13288178 is fitted in these vehicles: Opel Astra H (2004-2009).

The vehicles known to us with this part number are listed here:

• Opel Astra H (2004-2009)

Compare the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that you have the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this result shows 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 13288178 work?

For the 13288178, first have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit.

Then create a repair order online and pack the unit well before sending it in. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the crash data and carries out a function test.

Checking, repairing and testing takes 3–4 working days at Airbag24. Afterwards your own unit goes back 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 13288178 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 13288178 as a parcel to us, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-proof.