Airbag control unit with part number 231704

What does the airbag control unit 231704 do?

The airbag control unit 231704 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Ferrari. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The control unit reaches this decision within a few milliseconds. Between accidents, it checks the system continuously and shows detected faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. Only a repair lifts this lock.

Why does the control unit 231704 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Further causes are ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

The stored crash data remains until Airbag24 removes it during the repair. A normal diagnostic tool cannot do this.

The other causes include:

• ageing electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion on plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 231704 is defective?

A fault shows up as the airbag warning light, which stays on permanently or intermittently. Added to this are an error message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool with no connection to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light is the most important warning sign on the dashboard. It may burn constantly or only appear in certain situations, and in both cases there is a fault.

If an error message appears or the diagnostic tool can no longer access the control unit, that is a further sign of a defect.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger for as long as the defect persists.

Which vehicles is the 231704 fitted in?

The 231704 is fitted in these vehicles: Ferrari F430 Spider F131M (2005-2009); Ferrari F430 F131M (2004-2009).

The affected vehicles are listed in the following list.

• Ferrari F430 Spider F131M (2005-2009)
• Ferrari F430 F131M (2004-2009)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This way you can see that you have the matching control unit.

Have the fault memory read out beforehand. The result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 192789, 216005.

How does the repair of the 231704 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create a repair order online. Airbag24 checks and repairs the unit, erases the crash data and tests the unit before it is returned.

The sequence is fixed so that the system stays safe. The control unit may only be removed after the battery has been disconnected. Afterwards, pack it carefully and send it in.

At Airbag24, the unit goes onto the test bench. Defective components are repaired, crash data is erased and a function test is carried out. The unit then goes back to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. This period applies only to the work in-house.

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 231704 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 231704 in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back by UPS.

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