Airbag control unit with part number 51803609

What does the airbag control unit 51803609 do?

The airbag control unit 51803609 controls the restraint system (SRS) in Fiat. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines in a crash within milliseconds the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It indicates faults via the airbag warning light.

The control unit also works without interruption outside of an accident, checking sensors, cables and firing circuits.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 51803609 fail?

The most common cause is that crash data was stored after an accident, even without an airbag triggering. These cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes are also possible.

Other causes at a glance:

• Aged electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• Voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start

At Airbag24, the crash data is erased during the repair.

How can you tell that the 51803609 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition there may be a fault message in the instrument cluster, missing contact with the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light permanently or intermittently on
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool does not find the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy if the control unit has a fault. Therefore have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 51803609 fitted in?

The 51803609 is used in these vehicles: Fiat Panda 169 (2003-2012).

The list in detail:

• Fiat Panda 169 (2003-2012)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you know it is the correct unit. Whether the control unit itself is defective or a plug or a cable is the cause is established only by the fault memory you have read out beforehand.

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 51803609 work?

You have the fault memory read out and the log attached to the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Finally, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 then checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days for checking, repair and 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 51803609 get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit in as a parcel yourself or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

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