Aston Martin Virage VH airbag control unit repair

What is an Aston Martin Virage VH airbag control unit?

In the Aston Martin Virage VH, the airbag control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS). It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy. At the same time it monitors the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The control unit of the Aston Martin Virage VH (2011 to 2012) depends on clean signals, because sensors, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners receive their instructions from it. For this reason it tests itself and the connected components at every start and also monitors them while driving.

If the vehicle has been involved in an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

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

Most often the cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag deployed; an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, as well as voltage spikes, are also possible causes.

A weak battery or jump-starting can produce voltage spikes that stress sensitive components in the Aston Martin control unit. Over the years solder joints and components also change, and moisture that gets in attacks the contacts of the connectors.

A defect usually shows itself like this: the airbag warning light stays on permanently, the fault memory cannot be cleared or the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection. The control unit should then be checked.

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

For the Aston Martin Virage VH, the codes point to internal faults of the control unit, stored crash events, disturbed communication, deviating voltages or squib circuit faults. Which code is in the memory depends on the particular defect.

The following codes are known for this model:

• 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 on data bus failed
• 0005 → Battery voltage too low
• 0006 → Battery voltage too high
• 0156 → Deviating supply voltage to the SRS module
• 0013 → Driver airbag squib circuit: resistance too high

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool. A single code does not prove that the control unit is defective, as connectors, wiring or an airbag module may equally be behind it. Only the inspection clarifies which part is affected.

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

You will find the part number on the label of the control unit; it determines the exact version. Depending on equipment and year of manufacture, the numbers within a model series differ, so you should take a look at the label before sending it in.

These part numbers are known for the Aston Martin Virage VH; the list makes no claim to completeness:

• BD3314B321AA
• CG4314B321BA

Compare the number of your unit with this list. This only ensures that you are holding the right unit. Whether it is defective is shown only by reading out the fault memory or by the inspection.

The route to repair follows a fixed order: first have the fault memory read out. Then disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online, and finally send the unit to us. At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing usually take 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.