Airbag control unit with part number 46766385

What does the airbag control unit 46766385 do?

The airbag control unit 46766385 forms the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) for Fiat. In an impact it evaluates the measurements from the crash sensors and decides within a few milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger.

It also monitors all components of the system without interruption. If it detects a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 46766385 fail?

With the 46766385, the most common cause after an accident is stored crash data, even if no airbag has triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Further causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture or corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remain in the unit until they are erased during a repair.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves or their power supply. Aged components and poor contacts at the plugs can disrupt operation, and a weak battery or a jump start can also cause voltage spikes.

How can you tell that the 46766385 is defective?

On the 46766385, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and an error message appears there. In addition, the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be erased. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

The airbag warning light is the most important warning from the system. Do not ignore it, even if the vehicle otherwise runs normally.

Whether the control unit itself is affected only becomes clear when the fault memory is read out.

Which vehicles is the 46766385 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 46766385 is built for Fiat. It is fitted in these vehicles: Fiat Punto 188 (1999-2007).

Here are the vehicles in which this unit occurs:

• Fiat Punto 188 (1999-2007)

Before removing the unit, first check the label. Comparing the part number with this page only ensures that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, because only 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 46766384, 46805905, 46806593, 51701716, 51719092, 51754872.

How does the repair of the 46766385 work?

Have the fault memory read out, attach the log and disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit 46766385 and create a repair order online. Then send the unit in well packed. Inspection, repair and function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

This order protects during every removal. The control unit may not be removed without the battery disconnected.

At Airbag24 the unit is examined on the test bench, defective components are replaced where needed, the crash data are erased and a function test is carried out.

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 46766385 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 46766385 in as a parcel or book UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

You put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the unit shock-proof.