What is a General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit?
The General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit is the central safety unit in your vehicle, precisely controlling and deploying all occupant restraint systems, such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, in the event of an accident. It continuously monitors sensors, stores relevant crash data, and ensures the critical proper function of all airbag modules for maximum occupant safety.
This module processes signals from various impact sensors and decides within milliseconds whether to deploy the airbags. It is crucial for occupant protection in collisions.
The control unit also features an integrated self-diagnosis function that continuously monitors all system components for errors. Any problems are signaled by the airbag warning light.
Why is the General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit defective?
A General Motors Firebird I airbag control module will fail if it stores irretrievable crash data after an accident, has internal component failures (e.g., faulty memory, short circuits), or has been damaged by overvoltage. These failures will cause the airbag warning light to illuminate, requiring professional diagnosis and subsequent repair or replacement of the module.
Once triggered, the control unit stores indelible crash data, making it unusable for further use and requiring specialized repair.
Internal errors, such as processor or memory defects, can impair the functionality of the device and lead to complete failure of the airbag system. An experienced workshop is required in this case.
External influences such as water damage or faulty voltage spikes can also damage the control unit and make it necessary to replace it or carry out extensive repairs.
Common error codes for General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit repair
During General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit repairs, specific B-codes are typical, indicating internal problems or communication errors within the control unit. These codes are crucial for accurate diagnosis and troubleshooting, as they directly affect the function of the airbag control unit.
- B1000 → Airbag System Malfunction → Internal control unit error or general system malfunction.
- B1001 → Airbag Control Module Fault → Defect in the control unit itself, often caused by internal hardware problems.
- B1014 → Airbag Control Module Communication Fault → Communication problem between the control module and other vehicle systems or diagnostic devices.
- B1101 → Crash Data Storage Fault → Memory error, often after an accident event that requires repair of the crash data.
- B1620 → Internal Error – Replace SRSCM → Serious internal error, which usually means replacement or extensive repair of the control module.
- 65535 → Intermittent error in the internal control unit memory → Indicates a transient or permanent defect in the memory that requires precise diagnosis.
What part numbers are available for the General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit repair?
For the General Motors Firebird I airbag control unit repair, the exact OEM part number 19318313, which comes from the manufacturer General Motors itself, is relevant. This number identifies the original airbag control unit, which was specifically developed for Firebird models from the early 1990s and is critical for the correct functioning of the safety system.
Part number 19318313 is an official GM Genuine Parts number that ensures precise compatibility with the Pontiac Firebird.
This control unit is listed as "Instrument Panel Airbag," which underlines its function as the central control unit for the airbag system.
It is important to always use the exact OEM part number when repairing or replacing to ensure the full functionality and safety of the airbag system.
Suppliers such as Bosch, Continental and Autoliv manufacture these control units on behalf of GM, but the OEM number is the primary indicator for the correct component selection in the workshop.