Airbag control unit with part number 96641838

What does the airbag control unit 96641838 do?

The central control of the restraint system for Chevrolet is handled by the airbag control unit 96641838. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, determines in a collision within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

If the system detects a fault, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster comes on. This message reaches you directly on the dashboard while you are driving.

Why does the control unit 96641838 fail?

Stored crash data is most often the cause, even without an airbag having deployed. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes also count among the causes.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete crash data. Airbag24 takes care of removing it during the repair.

The other causes lie in the electronics themselves. Components age, solder joints may have been made cold, and moisture with corrosion attacks the contacts. Voltage spikes come on top, for example from a weak battery or after a jump start.

How can you tell that the 96641838 is defective?

An airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently in the instrument cluster indicates a fault, accompanied by an error message. A noticeable sign is also when the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection or the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Even an intermittent light should be checked. The warning light calls for attention, however long it stays on.

Before sending the unit in, it is therefore worth reading out the fault memory, because it shows whether the control unit itself is affected.

Which vehicles is the 96641838 fitted in?

The 96641838 was fitted in these Chevrolet vehicles: Chevrolet Epica 1st generation (2006-2010) and 1st generation Facelift (2010-2014). Compare your car with this list before removal.

This list names the following vehicles:

• Chevrolet Epica 1st generation (2006-2010)
• Chevrolet Epica 1st generation Facelift (2010-2014)

Comparing the part number on the label only helps to identify the correct unit. Whether the control unit is defective, or whether a plug or cable is the cause, is shown by the fault memory read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 5WY67023-95160, 96 435 788, 96 945 708, 96385396.

How does the repair of the 96641838 work?

The process begins with reading out the fault memory with the log attached, followed by disconnecting the battery and only then removing the control unit. Online, you create the repair order, and the well-packed unit goes to Airbag24. Checking, repair and function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

On the test bench, Airbag24 examines the unit. Defective components are repaired, stored crash data is deleted, and a function test is carried out last.

Your own, repaired 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 96641838 get to Airbag24?

The route to Airbag24 is by parcel or by a UPS collection that you book for an extra charge. After the repair you receive the unit back by UPS.

A printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the packaging must protect the unit from impact.