Airbag control unit with part number A138M0195F

What does the airbag control unit A138M0195F do?

The airbag control unit A138M0195F is the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) in Lotus. In an accident, it determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy, while it continuously monitors the system during operation.

The unit reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. If it lights up, there is a finding in the system that needs to be checked.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. The reasons for a failure are described in the next section.

Why does the control unit A138M0195F fail?

The most common cause is crash data that remains in the control unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. With this control unit, the crash data may not be removable; if you nevertheless wish it, contact Airbag24 before sending the unit in. Aged components, moisture and voltage spikes are further possible causes.

The following points are worth considering:

• wear on electronic components
• solder joints that have come loose
• moisture or corrosion in the plug
• voltage spikes when starting, for example with a weakened battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the A138M0195F is defective?

A defect shows through the airbag warning light, which stays on permanently or intermittently, through an error message in the instrument cluster, through a diagnostic tool without a connection to the control unit, and through a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In a real emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

A warning light that does not go out after the ignition is switched on requires a check. The light does not name a cause; for that, the fault memory must be read out.

Which vehicles is the A138M0195F fitted in?

The control unit A138M0195F is fitted in these vehicles: Lotus Elise Series 3 (2011-2021); Lotus Exige Series 3 (2012-2021). You will find the part number on the label of the removed unit.

The list shows the vehicles assigned and serves as a guide:

• Lotus Elise Series 3 (2011-2021)
• Lotus Exige Series 3 (2012-2021)

Have the fault memory read out before removal, because it shows whether the control unit is defective or whether the cause lies in a plug or cable. Finally, check with the comparison of the part number against this page whether the unit is the correct one.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers A121B0060F.

How does the repair of the A138M0195F work?

Follow this order: first have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. After that, create the repair order online and send the unit off packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24, the unit is first checked; afterwards, defective components are replaced, and a function test concludes the work. If you want the crash data removed, contact Airbag24 before sending the unit in.

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 A138M0195F get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 by parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The repaired unit comes back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel. Pack the control unit shockproof so that it survives shipping undamaged.