Airbag control unit with part number 46815442

What does the airbag control unit 46815442 do?

The airbag control unit 46815442 is the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) of Fiat. It evaluates signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit detects faults in the system on its own and shows them via the airbag warning light. At the same time it saves the fault in the fault memory so that a workshop can trace it.

The control unit therefore works in the background and only intervenes in an event it is designed for.

Why does the control unit 46815442 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. The 46815442 can also be disturbed by aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and by voltage spikes.

Crash data remains in the unit after the accident. A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it, so the problem persists until the control unit has been repaired.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves and their connections. Components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture gets into plug connections where it causes corrosion. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or when jump-starting, add further stress to the unit.

How can you tell that the 46815442 is defective?

A defect in the 46815442 shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently, and as an error message. In addition, a diagnostic tool then finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

For your safety the warning light is the most important signal. It tells you the state of the restraint system; if it is lit, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency.

Even if the fault memory cannot be cleared or the diagnostic tool stays without a connection, have the finding checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 46815442 fitted in?

The control unit 46815442 is fitted in these vehicles: Fiat Punto 188 (1999-2007); Fiat Seicento 187 (1998-2000) and 187 Facelift (2000-2008). This assignment applies to the part number, not to every individual case.

The vehicles at a glance:

• Fiat Punto 188 (1999-2007)
• Fiat Seicento 187 (1998-2000)
• Fiat Seicento 187 Facelift (2000-2008)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This is how you confirm that the removed unit belongs to the part number. Then read out the fault memory: only this finding shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 46552426, 46766384, 46766385, 46768868, 46772034, 46782817.

How does the repair of the 46815442 work?

For your 46815442, first read out the fault memory and enclose the log. Only then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, checking, repair and functional test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. Stored crash data is deleted, followed by a functional test. Only then is your own, repaired unit sent 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 46815442 get to Airbag24?

Either you send the 46815442 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair your own unit comes back by UPS.

Pack the control unit shock-resistant and enclose the repair order.