Airbag control unit with part number 22729973

What does the airbag control unit 22729973 do?

The airbag control unit 22729973 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Chevrolet. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The system monitors itself continuously. If it detects a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The restraint system should be reliably ready in an emergency, so every malfunction deserves attention.

Why does the control unit 22729973 fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

This data remains in the unit's memory, regardless of whether an airbag has fired.

The other causes lie in the electronics itself or in the plug connections. Aged components and cold solder joints affect the electronics, while moisture and corrosion attack the contacts.

Voltage spikes in the vehicle electrical system, for example from a weak battery, put additional strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 22729973 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool then finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy.

Typical signs at a glance:

• airbag warning light permanently on
• airbag warning light only on intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool fails to connect to the control unit
• fault memory remains

Each of these signs justifies a check of the restraint system.

Which vehicles is the 22729973 fitted in?

The control unit 22729973 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Malibu 4th generation (2007-2012). What matters is that the part number matches.

Here is the list for this part number:

• Chevrolet Malibu 4th generation (2007-2012)

If the part number on the label of the removed unit matches this page, that is only evidence that it is the correct unit. Having the fault memory read out remains a separate step, as only it 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 22632245, 22632248.

How does the repair of the 22729973 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the unit. Only then create the repair order online and send the well-packed unit. At Airbag24, checking, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 places the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is sent back 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 22729973 get to Airbag24?

You can send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel, and pack the unit so that it is shock-resistant.