Lotus Evora airbag control unit repair

What is an Lotus Evora airbag control unit?

The airbag control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in the Lotus Evora. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident whether to deploy airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and indicates faults with the airbag warning light.

In the Lotus Evora (2009 to 2021), the unit works in the background. It constantly checks the system itself. If it finds a fault, it switches on the warning light. To do this, it continuously compares the feedback from sensors, airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners. Only in this way does the entire restraint system stay ready for an emergency.

If an accident occurs, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. After that, the restraint system is no longer operational.

Why is the Lotus Evora airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data from an accident, even if no airbag deployed. An ordinary diagnostic tool does not erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture with corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes.

Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or when jump-starting. Moisture and corrosion damage connectors. Old components and cold solder joints make the electronics unreliable over time. Several of these causes can also act together, so the fault cannot be traced back to a single trigger.

The defect usually shows itself like this: the airbag warning light stays on permanently. The fault memory cannot be cleared. Or the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit.

Common error codes for Lotus Evora airbag control unit repair

The codes reveal which part of the system is being reported. Sometimes it concerns communication with the control unit, sometimes a firing circuit of the front airbags. They are read with a diagnostic tool.

These codes are typical for the vehicle:

• U0151 → Communication with the airbag control unit lost
• B0001 → Driver front airbag, first stage, firing circuit fault
• B0010 → Passenger front airbag, first stage, firing circuit fault

Please note: a code alone does not prove a defect in the control unit. A loose connector, a damaged wire or an airbag module can also trigger the entry. The inspection brings clarity. Therefore keep the diagnostic tool's log and enclose it with the unit you send in. That way we can see straight away which messages were present.

What part numbers are available for the Lotus Evora airbag control unit repair?

You will find the part number on the label of the control unit. It defines the exact version. Depending on equipment and year of manufacture, the numbers differ within a model series.

These numbers are known, but the list is not complete:

• B132M6067F
• A132M0208F
• B132M6206F

Compare the number of your unit with the list. This only tells you that it is the right unit. Whether there is a defect is only clarified by reading out the fault memory or by the inspection.

The route to repair is short. Have the fault memory read out. Disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and send in the unit. Checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days at Airbag24. 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.