Airbag control unit with part number 13542690

What does the airbag control unit 13542690 do?

The 13542690 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Chevrolet. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system permanently. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

If the unit detects a fault, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster comes on. Monitoring continues even when nothing unusual is noticeable in everyday driving.

The stored crash data remain in the unit without you seeing anything. The control unit therefore also works in periods when you do not notice its work.

Why does the control unit 13542690 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Further causes are aged components, soldered joints, moisture and voltage spikes.

The further causes at a glance:

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

Only the fault memory readout report shows which cause applies. Have it created before removal.

How can you tell that the 13542690 is defective?

A lit airbag warning light is the most important sign; further indications show up in the instrument cluster and during diagnosis. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then possibly not trigger.

The signs in detail:

• The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or only intermittently.
• An error message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

The warning light reports such a defect on its own. Whether the control unit itself is affected must be clarified by the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 13542690 fitted in?

The 13542690 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Camaro 5th generation (2009-2013) and 5th generation Facelift (2013-2016).

The following list names the vehicles.

• Chevrolet Camaro 5th generation (2009-2013)
• Chevrolet Camaro 5th generation Facelift (2013-2016)

Before removal, the following checks are sensible. Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms that you have the right unit, nothing more. Reading out the fault memory, on the other hand, shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 13510817, 13575447, 22922716.

How does the repair of the 13542690 work?

First you read out the fault memory and enclose the report, then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then you create a repair order online and send the unit in packed. At Airbag24 the processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

The order is required for safety reasons, because the unit may only be removed after disconnecting.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and performs a functional test. Afterwards your own unit is returned 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 13542690 get to Airbag24?

You send the 13542690 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.