Airbag control unit with part number 51778263

What does the airbag control unit 51778263 do?

The airbag control unit 51778263 is the control unit of the SRS restraint system for Fiat. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, selects the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in a crash, and monitors the system continuously. Faults are reported via the airbag warning light; after an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring covers sensors, seatbelt pretensioners, airbags and their wiring. If the unit detects an irregularity, it stores it in the fault memory.

Why does the control unit 51778263 fail?

Stored crash data from an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag fired; it cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Further causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Airbag24 erases crash data during the repair, so this is no obstacle for you.

The remaining causes concern the electronics themselves or their connections. A weak battery or jump-starting can cause voltage spikes that stress the unit.

How can you tell that the 51778263 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or only intermittently. In addition, the instrument cluster shows a fault message, and the diagnostic tool cannot find the control unit. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to deploy, because the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Signs of this kind should be taken seriously, and you should have the system checked promptly. In detail, these include:

• Airbag warning light on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• The diagnostic tool does not establish a connection
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

Which vehicles is the 51778263 fitted in?

The control unit 51778263 is fitted in these Fiat vehicles: Fiat Panda 169 (2003-2012). Whether this also applies to your car is shown by checking the list.

The list:

• Fiat Panda 169 (2003-2012)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that the unit has been correctly assigned. Whether the control unit is defective is determined only by the fault memory, which you should have read out beforehand. This will also show whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 46807549, 46807550, 51778261, 51778262, 51803610, 51803612.

How does the repair of the 51778263 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit and create a repair order online. You pack the unit well and send it in; processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own unit is then sent back to you. The 3–4 working days refer only to the work at Airbag24.

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 51778263 get to Airbag24?

Either you send the unit in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

The control unit must be packed shockproof, and you enclose the printed repair order.