Airbag control unit with part number 38910-71L50

What does the airbag control unit 38910-71L50 do?

The 38910-71L50 controls the restraint system (SRS) in Suzuki vehicles. It records via the crash sensors what happens in an impact and, in an accident, triggers the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds.

The unit checks all components of the system at all times. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up or flashes. This warning is the most important sign that something is wrong with the system.

If the vehicle has been involved in an accident, the control unit writes the crash data to its memory and then locks itself. Only the repair lifts the lock.

Why does the control unit 38910-71L50 fail?

The most common cause of a failure of the 38910-71L50 is crash data from an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Other contributing factors are ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connectors and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains stored, even though no airbag fired. A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Airbag24 removes it during the repair.

The other causes are electronic components that age, solder joints that can go cold, and corrosion caused by moisture at contacts. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, place additional strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 38910-71L50 is defective?

A defect in the 38910-71L50 can be recognised when the airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently. A fault message in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool or a fault memory that cannot be cleared also indicate it.

Typical signs at a glance:

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, permanently or intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between diagnostic tool and control unit
• fault memory that cannot be cleared

If these signs appear, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency. The warning comes directly from the unit and therefore deserves attention.

Which vehicles is the 38910-71L50 fitted in?

The control unit 38910-71L50 is fitted in these vehicles: Suzuki Swift FZ/NZ (2010-2013) and FZ/NZ Facelift (2013-2017). The information refers to this part number only.

The following vehicles are recorded for this control unit:

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

Hold the part number from the label of the removed unit next to this page. This only confirms that you have the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable causes the problem is shown only by the fault memory, which you should have read out beforehand.

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

How does the repair of the 38910-71L50 work?

First have the fault memory of the 38910-71L50 read out and attach the log. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days, and that covers only checking, repairing and testing.

Then disconnect the battery before you remove the control unit. Next, create the repair order online and pack the unit well for sending.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. The unit then goes 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 38910-71L50 get to Airbag24?

You send the 38910-71L50 either as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return shipment after the repair is handled by UPS.

The printed repair order goes in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-resistant.