Airbag control unit with part number A2168206426

What does the airbag control unit A2168206426 do?

The airbag control unit A2168206426 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Mercedes-Benz. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in the event of an accident on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It reports faults to the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The manufacturer's number Bosch 0285010011 is additionally printed on the housing.

While driving, the unit works unobtrusively in the background and checks the connected components.

Why does the control unit A2168206426 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without an airbag triggering; a standard diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes are aging electronics, cold solder joints, moisture with corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The further causes in detail:

• Aged electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

A failure after an accident therefore does not have to be due to an airbag deployment, because the crash data stays stored in the control unit.

How can you tell that the A2168206426 is defective?

Typical signs are an airbag warning light that lights up constantly or intermittently, and a fault message in the instrument cluster. In addition there is a missing connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The signs in detail:

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, constantly or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

As long as the fault persists, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency. Reading out the fault memory shows what the cause is.

Which vehicles is the A2168206426 fitted in?

For Mercedes-Benz this assignment applies only to the stated part number. The A2168206426 is fitted in these vehicles: Mercedes-Benz CL-Class C216 Coupé (2006-2013).

The assigned vehicles are listed as follows:

• Mercedes-Benz CL-Class C216 Coupé (2006-2013)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out, because only this log 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 285001996, A2218704887.

How does the repair of the A2168206426 work?

Have the fault memory read out first 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. Airbag24 usually needs 3–4 working days for testing, repair and functional testing.

Airbag24 then checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components and deletes stored crash data. After that comes a functional test, and your own unit goes 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 A2168206426 get to Airbag24?

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

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