Airbag control unit with part number 46770172

What does the airbag control unit 46770172 do?

The airbag control unit 46770172 is the central control unit of the restraint system for Fiat. It processes the crash sensor data, decides within milliseconds in the event of an impact whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system permanently. Faults appear via the airbag warning light.

The manufacturer number Continental 5WK42819 is also printed on the housing. It assigns the unit to a group, but does not describe a function.

After an accident, the unit records crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 46770172 fail?

The most common cause is crash data that remains stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes include components showing signs of ageing, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The crash data stays in the unit until it is removed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Airbag24 deletes it in the course of the repair.

Components showing signs of ageing also play a role, as do cold solder joints on the circuit board. Moisture and corrosion at the plugs impair the contact.

Voltage spikes from the vehicle electrical system, for example when starting with an external jump-start, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 46770172 is defective?

A defect shows when the airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool has no connection to the unit, and a fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger.

If the warning light in the instrument cluster comes on permanently or intermittently, the control unit has recorded a fault. A fault message in the instrument cluster may accompany it.

If the connection to the diagnostic tool fails or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this is a further sign of a fault. In that case, do not wait, but have the fault clarified.

Which vehicles is the 46770172 fitted in?

The control unit 46770172 is fitted in these vehicles: Fiat Marea 185 (1996-1999) and 185 Facelift (1999-2003).

The following list names the vehicles for which this part number is known:

• Fiat Marea 185 (1996-1999)
• Fiat Marea 185 Facelift (1999-2003)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right unit. Having the fault memory read out beforehand provides the clarification: only then does it show whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable triggers the fault.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 46409123, 46475013, 46538652, 46550647.

How does the repair of the 46770172 work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, inspection, repair and testing usually take 3–4 working days.

First the readout with log, then the battery, and only afterwards the removal. Pack the unit well before you create the repair order online and send it.

Defective components are repaired. Stored crash data is deleted by Airbag24, followed by a function test, and the unit of your own 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 46770172 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or arrange a UPS collection for an extra charge. UPS brings it back to you after the repair by Airbag24.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel and pad the unit shock-proof.