Airbag control unit with part number 51801207

What does the airbag control unit 51801207 do?

The airbag control unit 51801207 coordinates the restraint system (SRS) of Fiat. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in an accident, and indicates faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

During operation the unit monitors the entire system: sensors, wiring and trigger elements. This check runs permanently and leaves entries in the fault memory as soon as something is not right.

The fault memory is therefore the first source of information in every fault finding.

Why does the control unit 51801207 fail?

Crash data stored in the memory after an accident cause failure, even if no airbag was triggered. They cannot be removed with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Other causes include ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plugs, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Crash data are easily overlooked in fault finding, because the vehicle can appear inconspicuous after an accident. Anyone who does not know about the data looks for the fault in the wrong place.

The other causes relate to electronics and connections. Components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or salt attack plug contacts. Voltage fluctuations in the on-board electrical system come on top and can additionally affect the unit.

How can you tell that the 51801207 is defective?

A defect shows at the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. An error message in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool or a fault memory that cannot be cleared may also indicate it. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency.

If you see these signs, have the fault checked promptly. The light is not a minor matter, because it belongs to the system that decides on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in an accident.

A fault that is not checked remains an open point for the restraint system, and that is exactly the problem in an emergency.

Which vehicles is the 51801207 fitted in?

The 51801207 is used in these vehicles: Fiat Idea 350 (2004-2005) and 350 Facelift (2005-2008).

The vehicles are listed individually here:

• Fiat Idea 350 (2004-2005)
• Fiat Idea 350 Facelift (2005-2008)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed control unit with this page. This comparison confirms only the identity of the unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because it shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 51716748, 51752040, 51760853, 51816902, 51816903, 51816904.

How does the repair of the 51801207 work?

First the fault memory is read out, and the log is enclosed with the unit. Only after the battery has been disconnected do you remove the control unit from the vehicle. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24, i.e. inspection, repair and function test, usually takes 3–4 working days.

The sequence serves safety when working on the vehicle, and that is why it is followed in exactly this order.

Airbag24 inspects the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Afterwards the stored crash data are erased and a function test is carried out. Then the unit 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 51801207 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection service for an extra charge. The unit comes back to you by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shockproof.