Airbag control unit with part number 51796381

What does the airbag control unit 51796381 do?

The airbag control unit 51796381 manages the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners of the restraint system in Fiat. It records the deceleration of a crash via sensors, makes the decision on triggering, and logs the event. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In the background, the control unit continuously checks the connections to all connected components and reports irregularities to the airbag warning light.

Why does the control unit 51796381 fail?

Stored crash data most often causes the 51796381 to fail, even if no airbag has deployed. A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase this data; Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

Other possible causes are aged components on the circuit board, cold solder joints, and moisture or rust at the plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, can also damage the control unit.

The fault memory, which you have read out before removal, helps most to narrow down the cause.

How can you tell that the 51796381 is defective?

A defect in the 51796381 shows when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on continuously or intermittently, an error message appears, the diagnostic tool does not find the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

This indicator is a warning that does not wait for a later check, but shows the state of the system immediately.

Which vehicles is the 51796381 fitted in?

The 51796381 is fitted in these vehicles: Fiat Croma 194 Facelift (2007-2011) and 194 (2005-2007).

The list below names the vehicles stored for this part number.

• Fiat Croma 194 Facelift (2007-2011)
• Fiat Croma 194 (2005-2007)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you know whether you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because 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 51814843.

How does the repair of the 51796381 work?

At Airbag24, processing of the 51796381 usually takes 3–4 working days, and this time covers only checking, repairing and testing. Your steps come before that: read out the fault memory, attach the log, disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create a repair order online.

Then send the unit in, well packed. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test.

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 51796381 get to Airbag24?

You send the 51796381 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the repaired unit back to you by UPS.

Make sure the packaging is shock-proof and enclose the printed repair order.