Airbag control unit with part number 46426776

What does the airbag control unit 46426776 do?

The airbag control unit 46426776 coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in Fiat. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines within milliseconds in a collision whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the entire system. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs without a break. If the unit detects a fault, it shows it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Only a fraction of a second remains for the decision in an accident. That is why the electronics must be ready for use at all times.

Why does the control unit 46426776 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data from an accident, even without a triggered airbag, because a standard diagnostic tool does not erase such data. Further possible causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

Crash data is recorded in the control unit. The fact that nothing was triggered does not change this, and that is why simply reading out the unit does not help.

Electronic components age over time, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion affect plug connectors.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after jump-starting, place additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 46426776 is defective?

Typical signs of a defect in the 46426776 show up in the vehicle and on the diagnostic tool. The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster is the most important indication. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy.

• Airbag warning light, permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

Whether the light is on constantly or only now and then is secondary for the check.

Only reading out the fault memory shows which cause is actually present.

Which vehicles is the 46426776 fitted in?

The control unit 46426776 is fitted in these vehicles: Fiat Punto 176 (1993-2000). Whether your vehicle is among them is easy to check.

The list at a glance:

• Fiat Punto 176 (1993-2000)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms the correct unit. Whether the control unit itself is defective is revealed only by the fault memory. Have it read out before removal, because a plug or cable can be the cause just as well.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 46430655, 46517272, 46772034.

How does the repair of the 46426776 work?

Have the fault memory read out and attach the log before you act. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit. Create the repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

The order of steps protects you during all work on the restraint system. For this reason, the battery is always disconnected before removal.

Airbag24 checks the unit, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. After that your own unit 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 46426776 get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit 46426776 in as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-resistant.