What is a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 airbag control module?
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3, built from 1968 to 1982, did not come with a factory-installed airbag control unit. This vehicle model dates back to an era when airbag systems were not yet standard equipment in vehicles of this class.
An airbag control unit, also called an airbag control module (ACM), is the central control unit for the passive safety systems in modern vehicles.
It monitors sensors and deploys airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of an accident to protect passengers.
Why is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 airbag control unit defective?
Since the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 didn't have an airbag control unit from the factory, such a module can't be defective in this model. If an airbag system is present, it's an aftermarket upgrade, and defects can arise from crash data, water damage, or electronic problems.
In retrofitted systems, airbag control units can be damaged for various reasons.
Common reasons for a defect are a registered crash that requires reprogramming or internal component failures due to aging or overvoltage.
Water ingress or improper repairs can also lead to electronic failure and require a specialized Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 airbag control unit repair if a third-party module is installed.
Common error codes for Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 airbag control unit repair
There are no original airbag control unit trouble codes for the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 (1968-1982), as these vehicles did not have airbags from the factory. The trouble codes listed below are relevant for airbag control units in later Corvette models (C4 and later), which may have been retrofitted.
- B0053: Deployment Commanded with Loop Fault → A trigger command was given although there is a fault in the firing circuit.
- B0055 00: Side airbag deployment → Signal to deploy a side airbag, often after a side impact.
- B0056 00: Passenger airbag suppressed → The passenger airbag is deactivated due to sensor information (e.g. seat occupancy).
- B0057: Right front seat belt pretensioner trigger circuit error → The ignition circuit of the seat belt pretensioner on the passenger side has a resistance error.
- B0058: Right front seat belt pretensioner high voltage/resistance problem → A problem with too high voltage or incorrect resistance in the seat belt pretensioner ignition circuit.
- B0073: Supplemental Deployment Circuit No.1 Resistance Low → The resistance in the supplemental deployment circuit is too low, which may indicate a short circuit.
- B0074: Supplemental Deployment Circuit No.1 Interruption → An interruption in the additional deployment circuit prevents correct function.
- Code 35: Inflator Squib Open Circuit → The ignition circuit of an airbag is interrupted, deployment is not possible.
- Code 42: Inflator Light Circuit → There is a problem in the airbag warning light circuit.
What part numbers are available for the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 airbag control unit repair?
No OEM part numbers exist for an airbag control unit for the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 (1968-1982), as these vehicles were not equipped with airbag systems as standard. The part numbers found refer exclusively to airbag control units for later Corvette generations.
The part numbers below are documented and verified for newer Corvette models, but not for the C3 generation.
If a C3 is fitted with an aftermarket airbag system, the part numbers for that specific aftermarket system would need to be used.
- 13592882: GM Original → For Chevrolet Corvette C6 / C7 (model years 2014-2019).
- 89047253: GM Original → For Chevrolet Corvette C6 (model year 2006).
- 19115258: GM Original → For Chevrolet Corvette C6 (model year 2006).
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 Airbag Control Unit Repair: Your Options
Since the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 doesn't have an airbag control unit from the factory, a "repair" either refers to an aftermarket system or isn't applicable. If an airbag system has been aftermarketed, specialized airbag control unit repair shops are the right place to go.
These workshops can perform diagnostics and repairs on the control units present in aftermarket systems or in other vehicle models.
Typical services include deleting crash data after an accident, troubleshooting, and fixing electronic defects.
A professional repair of the airbag control unit ensures that the system is fully functional and therefore safe.