Aston Martin DBX 1st generation airbag control unit repair

What is an Aston Martin DBX 1st generation airbag control unit?

The airbag control unit in the Aston Martin DBX 1st generation is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS). It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident whether to deploy airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

When the ignition is switched on, the control unit runs a self-test during which the warning light comes on briefly and then goes out again. If it stays on, the control unit has detected a fault. The control unit is fitted in the Aston Martin DBX 1st generation (since 2020).

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why is the Aston Martin DBX 1st generation airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. In addition, ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes lead to a failure of the Aston Martin DBX 1st generation airbag control unit.

Stored crash data cannot be cleared with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or from jump-starting. Over the years, components on the circuit board also age, and solder joints can turn cold. A specialist workshop can read out the fault memory and thereby narrow down the cause.

Typical signs are a permanently lit airbag warning light, a fault memory that cannot be cleared, or a diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection to the control unit.

Common error codes for Aston Martin DBX 1st generation airbag control unit repair

The error codes indicate internal control unit faults, faults in communication and the voltage supply, faults in the firing circuits, and stored crash data. They are saved by the control unit in the fault memory and show in which area of the restraint system the fault occurs.

The following list shows codes that are known for this vehicle. It is not exhaustive.

• 0131 → Internal component fault during initialisation
• CFFF → Internal fault of the restraint system control unit
• 013B → Multiple crash events in the crash memory
• 0128 → Failure of a CAN signal of the vehicle configuration
• 0005 → Battery voltage too low
• 0006 → Battery voltage too high
• 0156 → Supply voltage deviates
• 0013 → Driver airbag firing circuit: resistance too high

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool. A code on its own does not reliably show that the control unit is defective: connectors, wiring or an airbag module can also be the cause. Only testing the control unit settles it.

What part numbers are available for the Aston Martin DBX 1st 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, including for the Aston Martin DBX 1st generation.

Read the number from the label of your control unit and enter it in the repair order. This allows your unit to be identified unambiguously. Whether it is defective is only shown by reading out the fault memory or by testing.

First have the fault memory read out and disconnect the battery. Then remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the unit in. Processing at Airbag24, including checking, repairing and testing, usually takes 3–4 working days. 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.