Airbag control unit with part number 96442701

What does the airbag control unit 96442701 do?

The 96442701 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Chevrolet. It checks the crash sensors, decides in an emergency within milliseconds on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system permanently. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The checks run in the background while the vehicle is being driven. If the unit detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The crash data remain stored in the unit after the accident, without anything of it being visible in everyday use. It is therefore worth keeping an eye on the warning light and the fault memory if the behaviour is conspicuous.

Why does the control unit 96442701 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged components, corrosion at plug connections, cold solder joints and voltage spikes.

Crash data are therefore at the top of the list of possible causes. Whether they are the problem in your case, however, only the log of the fault memory shows.

The other causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 96442701 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, and the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit. In addition, the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The signs in detail:

• The airbag warning light stays on permanently or only comes on intermittently.
• An error message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

A single one of these signs is enough to have the fault memory read out. The warning light reports the finding on its own.

Which vehicles is the 96442701 fitted in?

The 96442701 is fitted in these vehicles: Chevrolet Aveo 1st generation (2006-2011).

The following overview lists the vehicles for this part number.

• Chevrolet Aveo 1st generation (2006-2011)

First, you can compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the right unit. It is also advisable to have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the log 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 5WY67040, 5WY67067-95160, 5WY67068-95160, 5WY67074, 96411996, 96442710.

How does the repair of the 96442701 work?

The process begins with reading out the fault memory, whose log you attach. This is followed by disconnecting the battery and removing the control unit; only then do you create the repair order online. At Airbag24, processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

This order must be kept for safety reasons, because the control unit may only be removed after the battery has been disconnected.

At Airbag24, the team tests the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Afterwards, it erases the stored crash data, carries out a function test and sends your own unit 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 96442701 get to Airbag24?

Either you send the 96442701 in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the unit shockproof.