Airbag control unit with part number 15796966

What does the airbag control unit 15796966 do?

The airbag control unit 15796966 evaluates the signals of the crash sensors in Chevrolet. In an accident it decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit accompanies the system during operation and records deviations in its memory.

Messages are shown via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 15796966 fail?

The most common cause for the 15796966 is stored crash data from an accident, even if no airbag has triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes include aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes.

The data is the most obvious explanation when the device shows irregularities after an accident.

Ageing and cold solder joints cannot be seen. Water, salt and corrosion, on the other hand, attack the plug connections.

Voltage spikes also belong here, for example when the battery is weak or a jump start was needed.

How can you tell that the 15796966 is defective?

If the airbag warning light is on permanently or intermittently, this indicates a defect, as does a fault message in the instrument cluster. If the fault memory cannot be cleared or the diagnostic tool does not find the control unit, caution is also advised. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger in an emergency.

Pay attention to these points:

• Airbag warning light is on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool does not find the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

The light alone does not indicate a location. For that, the fault memory must be read out.

Which vehicles is the 15796966 fitted in?

The control unit 15796966 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010). Checking against your own car is easiest using the vehicle documents.

The vehicle list follows one below the other:

• Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010)

Compare the part number on the label with this page so that you have the right device in front of you. Have the fault memory read out in advance, then you will know whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector is the cause, for example.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 15249432, 22729009, 22729011.

How does the repair of the 15796966 work?

The first step is reading out the fault memory with a log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit 15796966. Then create the repair order online and send the device in packed.

Airbag24 checks the device on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own device is then sent back to you.

For these work steps at Airbag24, expect 3–4 working days as a rule.

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 15796966 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 15796966 as a parcel 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 device is packed shockproof.