Airbag control unit with part number 96439838

What does the airbag control unit 96439838 do?

The airbag control unit 96439838 manages the restraint system (SRS) in vehicles from Chevrolet. In an impact it reads the crash sensors and within milliseconds determines which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger. At the same time it monitors all components and shows faults via the airbag warning light.

As long as everything is in order, the unit keeps working unnoticed and continuously checks voltage and connections.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 96439838 fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause: it arises after an accident even if no airbag triggered, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, or voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting are also possible. Airbag24 erases the crash data during repair.

A memory entry remains until the repair removes it. Simply reading out the data changes nothing.

The other causes develop over time. Components age, solder joints give way, and water and salt attack plug connections.

Voltage spikes occur when the battery is weak or when a vehicle is started with jump leads.

How can you tell that the 96439838 is defective?

A defect is indicated by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, a fault message in the instrument cluster, and a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit. A fault memory that cannot be cleared also belongs here. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

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

The warning light is the indicator with which the system signals a detected fault.

Which vehicles is the 96439838 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 96439838 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Captiva 1st generation 2nd Facelift (2013-2018), 1st generation (2006-2011) and 1st generation 1st Facelift (2011-2013).

The list shows the vehicles stored for this number:

• Chevrolet Captiva 1st generation 2nd Facelift (2013-2018)
• Chevrolet Captiva 1st generation (2006-2011)
• Chevrolet Captiva 1st generation 1st Facelift (2011-2013)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page; that only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand. Only that result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 22778138, 25865978-95320, 95460702, 96866798.

How does the repair of the 96439838 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create a repair order online. Only then send the unit off, well packed.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench. Defective components are replaced, the stored crash data is erased, and a function test completes the work. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. The unit then goes back.

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 96439838 get to Airbag24?

The unit goes to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book UPS collection for an extra charge. The return is also made via UPS.

The repair order you created online goes into the parcel, printed out. Pack the unit shockproof.