Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 airbag control unit repair

What is an Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 airbag control unit?

The airbag control unit in the Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 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 continuously monitors the system.

The control unit is installed in the Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 (2012 to 2018). It is made by Continental. If it detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. The warning light then stays on.

Why is the Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag deployed; a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes are other possible causes.

Crash data remains stored in the control unit. The unit then keeps reporting a fault. A standard diagnostic tool does not erase these entries.

Components also age. Solder joints can lose contact over time. Moisture and corrosion attack the connectors. Voltage spikes occur, for example, because of a weak battery or a jump start.

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

Common error codes for Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 airbag control unit repair

To read error codes, connect a diagnostic tool and retrieve the fault memory of the control unit. The codes then indicate internal unit faults, failed communication, power supply problems, faults in the squib circuits and stored crash data.

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool, which displays the entries from the control unit's memory. The following list shows codes known for this vehicle, with their meaning.

• 0131 → Internal component fault, initialisation failed
• CFFF → Internal fault of the restraint system control unit
• 013B → Multiple crash events stored in crash memory
• 0128 → Vehicle configuration signal via CAN bus failed
• 0005 → Battery voltage too low
• 0006 → Battery voltage too high
• 0156 → Supply voltage between modules deviates
• 0013 → Driver airbag squib circuit: resistance too high

A code alone does not reliably show that the control unit is defective. Connectors, wiring or an airbag module can also be the cause. Only an inspection can clarify this.

What part numbers are available for the Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2 airbag control unit repair?

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

The following list shows known numbers for the Aston Martin Vanquish Mk2; it makes no claim to be complete.

• DD33-14C246-AA (Continental)

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

Here is how to proceed: 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. Inspecting, repairing and testing usually takes 3–4 working days at Airbag24. 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.