Aston Martin Rapide VH airbag control unit repair

What is an Aston Martin Rapide VH airbag control unit?

The airbag control unit in the Aston Martin Rapide VH is the central unit of the restraint system (SRS). It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In normal operation the unit works in the background. It monitors the entire restraint system without a break. If it detects a fault, it switches on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This signal indicates that something in the system is not right.

The control unit is fitted in the Aston Martin Rapide VH (2010 to 2020). It receives the messages from the sensors, evaluates them in real time and, in an emergency, gives the command to the firing circuits. Without a working control unit, the restraint system stays out of operation.

Why is the Aston Martin Rapide VH airbag control unit defective?

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

An ordinary diagnostic tool does not remove this data. Outwardly the vehicle may long since be fine again, yet the control unit stays locked. That is why simply clearing the fault memory is not enough.

The electronics themselves also suffer over time. Components on the circuit board age, solder joints lose contact. Moisture and corrosion on the connectors disturb the transmission of the signals. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or from jump-starting and can damage sensitive circuits.

Typical signs: the airbag warning light stays on permanently, the fault memory cannot be cleared, or the diagnostic tool cannot make contact with the control unit.

Common error codes for Aston Martin Rapide VH airbag control unit repair

The codes show in which area the system reports a fault. For this vehicle they concern internal unit faults, communication with other control units, the power supply, stored crash events and the firing circuits.

These codes appear in the fault memory; the list is a selection:

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

A diagnostic tool reads out the codes. A single code does not prove that the control unit is defective. An airbag module, the wiring or the connectors may also be the cause. The inspection shows where the fault actually lies.

What part numbers are available for the Aston Martin Rapide VH airbag control unit repair?

You will find the part number on the label of your control unit. It defines the exact version, because depending on equipment and year of manufacture there are different numbers within a model series.

These part numbers are known for the Aston Martin Rapide VH. The list does not have to be complete:

• DD43-14C246-AA

Compare the number on your unit with the list. This only ensures that it is the right unit. Whether there is a defect is shown by reading out the fault memory or by the inspection at Airbag24.

The route to repair is short. First have the fault memory read out. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and send in the unit. Airbag24 inspects, repairs and tests it; processing usually takes 3–4 working days. Your own unit is returned 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.