Airbag control unit with part number 22729971

What does the airbag control unit 22729971 do?

The airbag control unit 22729971 belongs to the restraint system (SRS) of Chevrolet. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, determines within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. If it detects a fault, it shows it via the airbag warning light.

The evaluation runs in the background while you drive. The control unit compares the sensor values continuously with its specifications and checks whether the connected components respond.

After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 22729971 fail?

The most common cause is crash data that is held in the control unit after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Added to this are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The first trigger is invisible from the outside, because the crash data sits in the memory and does not show itself externally.

The other triggers develop over a longer period. Solder joints become brittle, moisture attacks the contacts, and voltage spikes stress the circuits.

How can you tell that the 22729971 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or only intermittently, and an error message appears in the display. The diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. In this state, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly fail to trigger in an emergency.

The light appears when the ignition is switched on and should go out afterwards; if it stays on, have the finding checked.

A fault memory records the finding, even if the display has calmed down again in the meantime.

Which vehicles is the 22729971 fitted in?

At Chevrolet, the control unit 22729971 is found in these vehicles: Chevrolet Malibu 4th generation (2007-2012). The reliable check is provided by the part number on the label of the removed unit.

An overview of the vehicles follows.

• Chevrolet Malibu 4th generation (2007-2012)

Have the fault memory read out before you remove the unit. Afterwards, compare the part number on the label with this page. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is behind the fault is shown only by the read-out.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 22632245, 22632248.

How does the repair of the 22729971 work?

Have the fault memory read out and the log attached before you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create the repair order online and send the unit off well packed. Airbag24 checks the unit, repairs defective components, deletes the crash data and carries out a function test.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. After that, your own control unit is returned to you. The sequence in the vehicle is binding for safety reasons.

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 22729971 get to Airbag24?

A simple parcel shipment brings the control unit to Airbag24; alternatively, a UPS collection can be booked for an extra charge. Returning the repaired unit is also done by UPS.

Pack the printed repair order into the parcel and secure the control unit so that it withstands knocks.