Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit repair

What is a Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit?

In the Honda FR-V BE, the airbag control unit manages the entire restraint system (SRS). It reads the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, triggers the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds. In normal operation it monitors itself and the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit is fitted in the Honda FR-V BE (2004 to 2009). The manufacturer is Denso. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

You notice this on the instrument cluster. The warning light comes on as soon as a fault is present. The airbags can then no longer be relied on to protect you.

Why is the Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit defective?

Most often the cause is crash data left in the Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit by an accident, even if no airbag deployed. An ordinary diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

In this case the unit permanently reports a fault.

Electronic components age over time. Solder joints can become cold. Moisture causes corrosion and contact resistance at connectors. A weak battery or jump-starting can also produce voltage spikes. Often such damage is only noticed once the system displays a fault.

Signs of a defect: The airbag warning light stays on continuously. The fault memory cannot be cleared. The diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit. In these cases you should have the control unit checked before replacing other parts.

Common error codes for Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit repair

The codes for the Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit show where in the restraint system the fault lies. They are internal faults of the unit, failed communication, a faulty power supply or stored crash data. Which message appears depends on the type of fault and on the diagnostic tool.

These entries appear in the fault memory. They can be roughly divided into groups. The following codes are known for this vehicle.

• B1000 → Malfunction in the airbag control unit
• B1001 → Memory error in the airbag control unit
• U0151 → Communication with the control unit lost
• 87-31 → Internal fault of the SRS control unit
• 8-1 → Internal fault of the SRS control unit
• 91-1x → Internal fault of the SRS control unit
• 5-1 → Collision detected, crash data stored
• A1-1x → Faulty supply voltage of the system

A diagnostic tool reads out the codes. A single code does not yet prove a defect in the control unit. The cause can equally be connectors, wiring or an airbag module. Only an inspection gives certainty.

What part numbers are available for the Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit repair?

You will find the part number on the label of the Honda FR-V BE airbag control unit. It determines the exact version. Depending on equipment and year of manufacture, the numbers differ within a model series, so it is worth checking your unit.

Here are known part numbers for this vehicle. The list is not complete.

• 77960-SJH-G210-M2
• 77960-SJD-G210-M2 (Denso)

Compare the number of your unit with this list. This only clarifies whether it is the right unit. Whether a defect is present is shown only by reading out the fault memory or by an inspection.

Here is how to proceed: Have the fault memory read out. Disconnect the battery. Remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and send in the unit. 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.