Airbag control unit with part number 658885

What is the function of Airbag Control Unit 658885?

The airbag control unit with part number 658885 is the central control module for the occupant protection system, primarily installed in the Peugeot RCZ. As a Restraint Control Module—often manufactured by supplier Autoliv for PSA—it processes data from impact sensors to precisely deploy airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of a crash.

The primary task of this control unit is to ensure occupant safety. It continuously analyzes data from acceleration and pressure sensors throughout the vehicle. In the event of a collision, the device determines within milliseconds which restraint systems—such as front, side, or knee airbags—need to be activated to provide optimal protection for passengers.

At the same time, the electronics are designed to prevent false activations during minor impacts or extreme driving conditions. In the Peugeot RCZ, the control unit is typically mounted in the center tunnel near the gearshift lever, centrally positioned within the vehicle.

Why does Control Unit 658885 fail?

The most common cause of failure for Control Unit 658885 is the storage of crash data after an accident, resulting in a functional lockout of the device. Other defects arise from moisture ingress, age-related wear of electronic components, or improper repair attempts.

Following an airbag deployment, crash data is permanently stored in the unit’s internal memory. This is a manufacturer‑imposed safety measure that prevents reuse without professional diagnostics and reset procedures. Consequently, the unit becomes locked—even if the hardware itself remains undamaged.

Moisture can enter through leaks in the vehicle interior, leading to corrosion on the circuit board or at solder joints, causing short circuits and component failures. Additionally, natural aging of electronic components over time may result in sporadic or permanent malfunctions.

It is important to note that equivalent part numbers exist, such as 9673605880 or 618294300 (Autoliv original). Even minor differences—for example, in the index letters—can compromise compatibility and lead to malfunctions.

How do you recognize a defect in 658885?

A defective Airbag Control Unit 658885 primarily manifests as a constantly illuminated airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. Often, it also becomes impossible to access the unit via diagnostic equipment because no communication can be established, indicating an internal fault or lockout.

The most obvious symptom is the airbag warning light, which fails to extinguish after engine start-up or re-illuminates shortly thereafter (e.g., within 30 seconds). This signals a critical error in the restraint system that requires immediate inspection.

Another clear indication is the lack of response from the control unit during diagnostic queries. The workshop cannot establish a connection to read out fault codes, complicating troubleshooting and often pointing directly to total module failure.

After an accident, specific fault codes related to deployed components—such as the knee airbag, passenger airbag, seat airbag, or crash sensor—are stored. These errors cannot be cleared without professional repair and deletion of crash data.

In which vehicles is 658885 installed?

The airbag control unit with part number 658885 was exclusively fitted in the Peugeot RCZ. At Airbag24, we repair this control unit for all variants of the Peugeot RCZ, including the first model (model years 2010–2013) as well as the subsequent facelift (model years 2013–2015).

Our expertise covers the specific requirements of this two-door coupé. This component is particularly common in diesel models, such as the Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi with 163 hp (120 kW) and manual transmission.

Repair services at Airbag24 ensure that the original control unit, coded specifically for your vehicle, is preserved, thus avoiding compatibility issues. The following models are covered:

Peugeot RCZ I (2010–2013)

Peugeot RCZ I Facelift (2013–2015)

How is 658885 professionally repaired?

At Airbag24, Control Unit 658885 undergoes a thorough professional analysis upon receipt. The repair process includes carefully erasing stored crash data, replacing faulty electronic components, and conducting a final functional test on specialized test benches to restore full operability.

Once the removed control unit arrives at Airbag24, our technicians perform an initial inspection to verify reported faults. The core of the repair often involves clearing crash data stored in the unit’s internal memory after an accident.

If hardware defects are caused by moisture or aging, the affected components—such as processors, memory chips, or capacitors—are professionally replaced. The control unit is then thoroughly tested to ensure it communicates flawlessly and performs all functions correctly.

The key advantage of repairing the original part is that the vehicle-specific coding remains intact. Unlike used replacement units, which must be painstakingly decoupled from the donor vehicle and reprogrammed for the new car, the repaired unit is “plug-and-play.” We offer 2 years' statutory liability for defects on all repairs.