Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible airbag control unit repair

What is a Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible airbag control unit?

The airbag control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in the Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit is installed in the Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible (2006 to 2009). Airbag24 repairs this unit in Berlin on a send-in basis: you remove it, we test and repair it, and you get your own unit back.

The control unit continuously monitors the restraint system. It checks sensors, squib circuits and power supply. If it finds a fault, the airbag warning light comes on. The fault is saved in the fault memory. This is how you learn of a problem before the system is needed in an emergency.

Why is the Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. It cannot be erased with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes.

Besides the crash data, other causes are possible: aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting. Typical signs are a permanently lit airbag warning light, a fault memory that cannot be cleared, or a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit.

If you notice one of these signs, the first step is to read out the fault memory. This helps you narrow down whether the control unit is the cause or whether the fault lies with a connector, a wire or an airbag module.

Common error codes for Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible airbag control unit repair

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool and can then be assigned to an area: communication with other control units, the power supply, internal faults of the control unit or stored crash data. Which codes occur in the Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible depends on the fault pattern.

The following list names error codes that can occur on this model series.

• B1498 → Internal memory error in the control unit
• B1496 → Internal error in the control unit's data memory
• B1646 → Configuration data of the control unit does not match
• B1699 → Multiple deployment detected by the control unit
• U0001 → Data bus failure (bus-off)
• U0154 → Communication timeout with the seat detection
• B1476 → Supply voltage drops below the permitted level

Have the fault memory read out first and make a note of the codes. A code alone does not reliably show that the control unit is defective: connectors, wiring or an airbag module can also be the cause. Only the inspection clarifies where the fault lies.

What part numbers are available for the Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible airbag control unit repair?

The part number is on the label of the control unit and determines the exact version. Within a model series there are different numbers depending on equipment and year of manufacture. Therefore read the number from your unit and enter it in the repair order.

Once the control unit is removed, read the number from the label and enter it in the repair order. This allows your unit to be identified unambiguously. However, the number says nothing about whether the unit is defective. That is shown only by reading out the fault memory or by the inspection.

How to proceed: have the fault memory read out, disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and send in the unit. Processing at Airbag24, with testing, repairing and checking, usually takes 3–4 working days. After that, your own unit is sent back to you.

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.