What is a Honda Civic EM airbag control unit?
The Honda Civic EM airbag control unit is the brain of your passive safety system, responsible for the precise deployment of all restraint systems in the event of a collision. It continuously monitors a multitude of sensors, stores critical crash data, and ensures the proper functioning of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for maximum occupant safety in the 9th-generation Honda Civic (model years approximately 2011-2017).
This highly complex module is crucial for your safety and the proper functioning of the entire airbag system. It processes signals from acceleration sensors and other monitoring points in the vehicle at lightning speed.
Only after a precise analysis of the impact severity are the airbags and belt tensioners activated precisely to minimize the risk of injury.
Why is the Honda Civic EM airbag control unit defective?
A Honda Civic EM airbag control unit is often reported as defective because it has stored crash data after an accident, requiring reinitialization and causing the airbag warning light to illuminate continuously. Internal electronic faults, communication problems in the vehicle's network, or power supply issues can also lead to a safety unit failure and necessitate a Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair.
The airbag warning light illuminates continuously on the dashboard when a malfunction occurs, which poses a significant safety risk. This can occur due to a minor impact, a surge in the vehicle's electrical system, or age-related wear and tear.
A professional Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair is in many cases a cost-effective and safe alternative to the expensive replacement of the entire module.
Common error codes for Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair
During a Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair, specific error codes indicate problems often related to the module itself, such as internal malfunctions or permanently stored crash data after an accident. These diagnostic-relevant codes are crucial for accurate fault detection and successful resolution of the problem, restoring full functionality of the airbag system and clearing the warning light.
The following error codes are typical for defects in the airbag control unit of your Honda Civic EM:
- B1000: SDM (airbag control unit) communication error → Internal error or lack of communication between the control unit and the vehicle.
- B1231: Event Threshold Exceeded → A crash data threshold was exceeded; an impact was registered in the control unit.
- B1193: Crash Event Storage → Crash data is permanently stored in the internal memory of the airbag control unit.
- B1620 / B1670: Internal control unit fault (SRS Control Module Fault) → There is an electronic fault within the airbag ECU.
- B1499: Airbag triggered detected in the control unit → The module registers a condition as if an airbag had been triggered, even if this was not the case.
- B1239: Airbag Diagnostic Sensor Unit Error → An error in the control unit's diagnostic path, often indicating an internal module defect.
- 87-31 / 91-1x: Internal error of the SRS control unit → General internal malfunction of the airbag control unit requiring repair.
- 91-2x: Short circuit in the SRS warning light circuit → Problem with the control or circuit of the airbag warning light.
- 9-1 / 9-2: Internal control unit error → Specific internal electronic defects or problems with the supply voltage of the airbag control unit.
- 1-1 to 1-5: Airbag Inflator Resistance Error (Driver Airbag) → Driver airbag squib resistance problems detected by the control unit.
What part numbers are available for the Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair?
For a successful Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair, exact OEM part number matching is absolutely crucial, as different control unit variants can be installed even within the same model series. The correct part number ensures full compatibility and functionality of the repaired or replaced module with your 9th-generation Honda Civic (model years approximately 2011-2017).
VIN (vehicle identification number) verification is essential to ensure airbag control unit compatibility and prevent malfunctions. This is the only way to avoid installing an incompatible control unit.
A professional identification of the part number is therefore the first and most important step towards a successful Honda Civic EM airbag control unit repair.
Here are verified OEM part numbers for the Honda Civic EM airbag control unit:
- 77960-SMG-G021-M1 (Honda OEM): This number is specifically verified for the Honda Civic 9th generation (2011-2017) and is often listed in repair quotes.
- 77960-S5A-A87 (Honda OEM, Siemens supplier): This number is also listed as original OEM for older Civic models (e.g. 2003-2005), which indicates Siemens as the supplier.
- 77960-TBA-A06 (Honda OEM): An officially verified OEM part number for SRS modules, suitable for various model years of the Civic.
- 77960-TGH-A02 (Honda OEM): Also an official OEM part number compatible with Honda Civic models from 2017-2021.
- 77960TYAA050M2 (Honda OEM, tested used): A tested used unit offered in the professional aftermarket with compatibility from 2021.