Airbag control unit with part number 38910-71L20

What does the airbag control unit 38910-71L20 do?

The airbag control unit 38910-71L20 controls the SRS restraint system of Suzuki. It measures via the crash sensors what happens in a collision and determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. At the same time it checks the system while the vehicle is running and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The control unit is designed for reliability, because every decision has to be made in a fraction of a second. For that reason it works constantly in the background and continuously compares the sensor signals with the expected values.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. Further details on what this means for the repair follow in the remaining sections of this page.

Why does the control unit 38910-71L20 fail?

Stored crash data after an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Crash data cannot be removed with an ordinary diagnostic tool. It is therefore deleted during the repair at Airbag24, so the unit works again without this legacy problem.

The remaining causes concern the electronics themselves. Components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion affect plug connections. Voltage spikes put additional strain on the circuit and are an independent source of danger.

How can you tell that the 38910-71L20 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message appears in the instrument cluster. In addition, a diagnostic tool cannot get through to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

A diagnostic tool without a connection indicates that communication with the control unit is disturbed. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy, so a prompt check is advisable.

A warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently should not be ignored. Even a single illumination calls for reading out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 38910-71L20 fitted in?

The 38910-71L20 is fitted in these vehicles: Suzuki Swift FZ/NZ (2010-2013) and FZ/NZ Facelift (2013-2017).

The following vehicles are assigned to this part number:

• Suzuki Swift FZ/NZ (2010-2013)
• Suzuki Swift FZ/NZ Facelift (2013-2017)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right unit. What caused the failure is established only by reading out the fault memory, which you should therefore arrange before removal.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 38910-62J12-000, 38SC001R9RH.

How does the repair of the 38910-71L20 work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log with the parcel. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 38910-71L20; afterwards create a repair order online. At Airbag24, checking, repair and function testing usually take 3–4 working days.

Pack the unit well and send it in. Airbag24 checks the control unit, repairs the affected components, deletes the stored crash data and tests the function. Afterwards your own unit is sent back to you.

The defined sequence protects you during removal. For that reason, remove the control unit only once the battery is disconnected from the power supply.

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 38910-71L20 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and you pack the unit shock-proof.

After the repair UPS brings the unit from Airbag24 back to you.