Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation airbag control unit repair

What is an Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation airbag control unit?

The Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation airbag control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS). It monitors the system continuously, evaluates the signals from the crash sensors in an accident and decides within milliseconds whether to deploy airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In everyday use you usually notice only the self-test: when the ignition is switched on, the airbag warning light comes on briefly and goes out again if the control unit finds no fault. If it stays on or only appears while driving, the system has detected a fault.

The control unit is fitted in the Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation (2018 to 2023). It receives the signals from the crash sensors, checks them continuously and, in an emergency, triggers the firing circuits of the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

Why is the Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes.

Stored crash data cannot be cleared with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Besides accidents, voltage spikes also damage the electronics, for example from a weak battery or from jump-starting.

Over the years, components on the circuit board age and solder joints can turn cold. Moisture and corrosion on the connectors also cause faults. Typical signs are an airbag warning light that stays on permanently, a fault memory that cannot be cleared, or a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit.

Common error codes for Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation airbag control unit repair

The error codes show in which area of the restraint system the control unit detects a fault. They concern internal faults of the unit, communication with other control units, the power supply, stored crash events and the firing circuits of the airbags.

This vehicle can show the following error codes, among others, which you may find in the fault memory:

• 0131 → Internal component fault, initialisation failed
• CFFF → Internal fault of the restraint system control unit
• 013B → Several crash events stored in the crash memory
• 0128 → CAN signal from the central module lost (timeout)
• 0005 → Battery voltage too low
• 0006 → Battery voltage too high
• 0156 → Supply voltage differs between modules
• 0013 → Driver airbag firing circuit stage one: resistance too high

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool. A code alone does not prove with certainty that the control unit is defective, because connectors, wiring or an airbag module can also be the cause. Only testing clarifies where the fault actually lies.

What part numbers are available for the Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation airbag control unit repair?

The part number is printed on the label of the control unit and determines the exact version. Within a model series there are different numbers depending on equipment and year of manufacture.

The following list gives known part numbers for the Aston Martin DBS 2nd generation. It makes no claim to be complete:

• HY53-14C246-AE

Compare the number on your unit with this list. This only makes sure that it is the right unit. Whether it is defective is shown only by reading out the fault memory or by testing.

This is how you get to the repair: have the fault memory read out, disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the unit. Processing at Airbag24, including checking, repairing and testing, usually takes 3–4 working days. Your own unit is repaired and then sent back to you.

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.