Airbag control unit with part number 15868050

What does the airbag control unit 15868050 do?

The airbag control unit 15868050 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Chevrolet. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The control unit also monitors the entire system during operation. If it detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, so the fault becomes visible.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. The effects show mainly during vehicle diagnosis.

Why does the control unit 15868050 fail?

The most common cause of the control unit 15868050 is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, as well as voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump start, are also possible.

The crash data remains in memory until it is deliberately deleted, and an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot do that.

The other causes cannot be classified without examining the unit. Which of them applies in the individual case is therefore decisive.

How can you tell that the 15868050 is defective?

A defect on the 15868050 shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster staying on permanently or intermittently. In addition there are a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool with no connection to the control unit and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not deploy.

The warning light is the clearest sign, because it stays in view while driving.

If the connection to the diagnostic tool fails, the cause may lie in the unit itself or in the wiring, and only a test can clarify that.

Which vehicles is the 15868050 fitted in?

The control unit 15868050 is fitted in these Chevrolet vehicles: Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010).

The list of vehicles for which this number is recorded follows directly below.

• Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you can be sure it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out in advance, because only this log 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 15249432, 22729009, 22729011.

How does the repair of the 15868050 work?

First you have the fault memory of the 15868050 read out and attach the log. Then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then you create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and runs a function test. The own unit is then returned to you. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

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 15868050 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 15868050 in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns the unit by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.