Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 airbag control unit repair

What is an Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 airbag control unit?

Switch on the ignition and the airbag warning light runs a brief self-test, then goes out again. Behind it works the airbag control unit of the Aston Martin DB7 Mk1, the control unit of the restraint system (SRS): it evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy.

The unit also keeps checking all parts of the system while you drive. If it detects a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light. If the light stays on after the ignition is switched on, the control unit has therefore noticed something that is not right. If an accident occurs, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Such a control unit is fitted in the Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 (1994 to 2003). It works together with the sensors, the airbag modules and the seatbelt pretensioners. If it fails, the entire restraint system is under suspicion.

Why is the Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is considered to be crash data left in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. Other causes are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

If the airbag warning light stays on permanently, the fault memory cannot be cleared or the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, this points to a problem in the unit itself. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove stored crash data, even if you reset the fault memory several times.

An accident is not a prerequisite. Even without an accident, ageing, moisture or a voltage spike in the vehicle electrical system can damage the electronics. What is actually wrong with your unit can only be established during the inspection in the workshop.

Common error codes for Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 airbag control unit repair

The codes point to internal faults in the control unit, failed communication, problems with the power supply or stored crash events. They are held in the fault memory of the Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 and can be read out with a diagnostic tool.

For Aston Martin models of this series, the following error codes are known in connection with the airbag control unit. Each code comes with a short explanation, and further messages are possible.

• 0132 → Internal component fault, initialisation failed
• 0131 → Internal component fault, initialisation failed
• CFFF → Internal fault of the restraint system control unit
• 013B → Multiple crash events stored in crash memory
• 0128 → Configuration signal from central electronics lost
• 0005 → Battery voltage too low
• 0006 → Battery voltage too high
• 0156 → Supply voltage to central electronics deviates

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool. A single code does not yet prove that the control unit is defective, because connectors, wiring or an airbag module can equally be the cause. Only the inspection shows where the fault is. If you have a read-out report, please enclose it with the unit when you send it in.

What part numbers are available for the Aston Martin DB7 Mk1 airbag control unit repair?

On the label of your control unit you will find the part number, which defines its exact version. Depending on equipment and year of manufacture, there are different numbers within the series, so read it directly from your own unit.

These part numbers are known for the Aston Martin DB7 Mk1. The list is not exhaustive, and further numbers may exist.

• 37120593 AC
• LNA2278AA

If the number on your unit matches an entry in the list, you have the right unit in front of you. Whether it is defective, however, only becomes clear from reading out the fault memory or from the inspection.

This is how you get to the repair: first have the fault memory read out, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. After that, create a repair order online and send the unit to Airbag24. Checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days there. You receive your own unit back. 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.