Airbag control unit with part number 23116541

What does the airbag control unit 23116541 do?

The airbag control unit 23116541 controls the restraint system (SRS) for Chevrolet. It evaluates signals from the crash sensors, decides in an emergency within milliseconds on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It shows detected faults via the airbag warning light.

During operation the unit continuously checks sensors, wiring and its own functions. Detected faults are stored in the fault memory, which a diagnostic tool reads out.

If there has been an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 23116541 fail?

The most common cause of a failure of the control unit 23116541 is stored crash data from an accident, even if no airbag has triggered; an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot remove this data. Additional causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plugs, and voltage spikes from the vehicle electrical system.

Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair.

The other causes do not depend on an accident: electronics age, connections corrode, and voltage spikes occur, for example with a weak battery or jump starting.

How can you tell that the 23116541 is defective?

With a defect in the 23116541, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster appears first, lit permanently or intermittently. Additional signs may be an error message, no contact between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, or a fault memory that cannot be erased. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger in an emergency.

The warning light is the most important sign. Having it checked promptly makes sense, even if it lights only briefly.

A check of the fault memory shows more precisely what the system has reported.

Which vehicles is the 23116541 fitted in?

The control unit 23116541 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010).

These vehicles are recorded for this part number:

• Chevrolet Cobalt 1st generation (2004-2010)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That confirms that you have the right unit, but not the cause of the failure. So have the fault memory read out beforehand, because this log shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug 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 23116541 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 23116541. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit well packed. Airbag24 usually needs 3–4 working days in total for inspection, repair and function testing.

At Airbag24 the unit is examined on the test bench, defective components are repaired, crash data is erased and a function test is carried out. Afterwards your own unit comes 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 23116541 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 23116541 as a parcel to Airbag24 or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS after the repair.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.