Airbag control unit with part number 8201160197

What does the airbag control unit 8201160197 do?

The airbag control unit 8201160197 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Renault. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It also monitors the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The sensors in the vehicle continuously send the unit measured values for acceleration and deceleration. From these values it recognises whether an event requires triggering, and then controls the restraint devices. Because an impact lasts only fractions of a second, this evaluation takes place entirely inside the unit itself.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. In the event of damage, it is therefore the most important starting point whenever the entire restraint system needs to be checked.

Why does the control unit 8201160197 fail?

The most common cause for the 8201160197 is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

The unit stores crash data in its own memory. A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase them, so the fault remains even after the data has been read out.

The other causes tend to develop gradually. Electronics age, solder joints can become cold over time, and moisture or corrosion mainly attack the contacts of plug connectors.

Voltage spikes can also damage the electronics. A weakening battery or improperly performed jump starting are among the typical triggers.

How can you tell that the 8201160197 is defective?

A defect in the 8201160197 shows up as an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster that stays on permanently or intermittently, as a fault message there, as a diagnostic tool that gets no connection to the control unit, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The warning light is the most important signal. It indicates the fault as soon as the control unit detects it.

• Airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger. Therefore, have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 8201160197 fitted in?

The 8201160197 is fitted in these vehicles: Renault Twizy I (2012-2023).

You will find the matching models in the overview below.

• Renault Twizy I (2012-2023)

First, compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that you have the right unit in front of you. Secondly, have the fault memory read out beforehand. Only this result shows whether the control unit itself is the cause or whether a plug or cable is causing the fault.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 8201719760.

How does the repair of the 8201160197 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

This order serves your own safety, so please follow it exactly.

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a functional test. Your own unit is then returned 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 8201160197 get to Airbag24?

You send the 8201160197 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.