Aston Martin Vantage 2nd generation airbag control unit repair

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

If an accident occurs in the Aston Martin Vantage 2nd generation, the airbag control unit, as the central unit of the restraint system (SRS), makes the decision: it evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. Afterwards it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit is built for exactly this emergency, and it has to be ready at every moment. That is why it checks itself whenever the vehicle is in operation, monitoring sensors, wiring and squib circuits.

A fault is revealed by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. It indicates that the protection provided by the restraint system is no longer assured and that a check is due. This control unit is fitted in the Aston Martin Vantage 2nd generation (since 2018).

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

Most often the cause is crash data left behind by an accident, even if no airbag was deployed; an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other possible causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at the connectors, and voltage spikes.

How you can recognise the problem: the airbag warning light stays on permanently, the fault memory remains filled despite attempts to clear it, or the diagnostic tool cannot establish contact with the control unit.

Even without an accident, the electronics deteriorate over the years. Solder joints develop fine cracks, and moisture builds up on the connector contacts. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or from jump-starting. The result is similar in each case: the unit reports a fault or no longer responds at all.

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

The codes for the Aston Martin Vantage 2nd generation point to internal component faults, disturbed communication with other control units, deviating power supply, conspicuous squib circuits or stored crash events. Which of them appears in your case depends on the fault pattern and equipment.

Codes known for this vehicle, each with an approximate meaning:

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

The codes are read out with a diagnostic tool. A code alone does not allow a reliable conclusion that the control unit is defective; connectors, wiring or an airbag module may equally be the cause. Where the fault really lies is only determined by the check.

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

On the label on the control unit you will find the part number, which determines the exact version. Because different numbers occur within a model series depending on equipment and year of manufacture, you should look at the label before removal.

You will find known numbers for this vehicle here; it is not a complete list:

• HY53-14C246-AD
• HY53-14C246-AE

Compare the number of your unit with this list. This only proves that it is the matching unit. Whether it is defective only becomes clear from reading out the fault memory or from the check.

The path to 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 there usually take 3–4 working days, after which 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.