Airbag control unit with part number 20790112

What does the airbag control unit 20790112 do?

The control unit 20790112 coordinates the restraint system (SRS) of Chevrolet. It checks the sensor values for every event, determines within milliseconds in a crash whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The sensors continuously deliver their measurements to the control unit, which determines the response.

An accident causes the unit to store crash data and lock itself.

Why does the control unit 20790112 fail?

The most common cause on the 20790112 is stored crash data after an accident, even without a triggered airbag; a standard diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Further causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start.

The storage takes place in the unit itself; an airbag does not need to have been triggered for this.

Electronic components age over time, and solder joints can go cold.

Moisture and corrosion disturb the contact at plug connections. Voltage spikes add further strain to the electronics.

How can you tell that the 20790112 is defective?

If the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, the 20790112 probably has a fault. In addition there may be an error message in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool may have no contact, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In that case airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency.

The warning light is a clear sign of a fault in the system.

If the light stays on permanently, a prompt check is advisable.

Which vehicles is the 20790112 fitted in?

The 20790112 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010). Before removing the unit, it is worth checking your model against this list.

The following models are known to us for this part number:

• Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010)

The part number on the label can be compared with this page, which only shows that the unit is the right one. Whether the control unit itself is defective is answered only by the fault memory. Have it read out beforehand, so that it is clear whether a plug or a 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 20790112 work?

For the 20790112, you start by reading out the fault memory, with the log enclosed. Then disconnect the battery, and only after that is the control unit removed from the vehicle. Next, create a repair order online and pack the unit well; processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 first checks the control unit on the test bench. After that, defective components are repaired, stored crash data is erased and a function test is carried out, before your own unit is returned to you.

The 3–4 working days refer exclusively to the work at Airbag24. 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 20790112 get to Airbag24?

Either you send the unit 20790112 yourself as a parcel, or you arrange a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, the unit comes back to you by UPS.

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