What is a Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control module?
The Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control module, also known as the SRS SDM, is the central component of the occupant protection system. It continuously monitors all airbag and seatbelt pretensioner systems, detects accidents using integrated sensors, and deploys the appropriate restraint systems when necessary to ensure occupant safety. This module can often be reset after a collision.
It controls and monitors the deployment of airbags and other restraint systems such as seat belt pretensioners. The module also contains crash detection sensors and an Event Data Recorder (EDR) that records important impact data.
After a collision, the control unit must be serviced to regain full functionality and operational readiness. In exceptional cases, calibration or programming in the vehicle may be required after the reset if specific hardware issues exist. The control unit is compatible with the 2003 to 2007 Saturn Ion Coupé and is based on the GM Delta platform.
Why is the Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control unit defective?
A Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control unit usually fails because it stores crash data after an accident and then locks up. However, internal electronic malfunctions, short circuits, or water damage can also lead to failure, causing the airbag warning light to stay illuminated and requiring repair.
After an impact, the control unit's memory is filled with "crash data," preventing it from triggering again. A repair or reset erases this data and restores the factory settings.
In addition, age-related defects, overvoltage, or moisture can damage the internal circuits. This leads to the system no longer successfully completing its self-diagnosis, thus deactivating the security systems.
Common error codes for Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control unit repair
When diagnosing a faulty Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control module, specific error codes will occur that indicate internal problems or communication issues with the module. These codes are critical to troubleshooting and indicate that a professional repair of the control module is required to restore full functionality to the SRS system.
- **B1000**: Control Unit Communication Error. This code indicates missing or disrupted communication with the airbag control unit.
- **B0043**: Driver Airbag Module Deployment Circuit - Voltage Out of Range. This indicates a problem with the power supply or the driver airbag circuit in the control module.
- **B0044**: Left Front Driver Airbag Fault (Left Front Module). This code indicates a specific defect in the deployment circuit of the left driver airbag module, reported directly by the control module.
- **B0074 07**: Seat Occupancy Detection - Voltage Above Threshold (Passenger). This is a control unit-specific diagnostic code for the passenger seat occupancy system, indicating faulty signal processing.
- **B0074 08**: Seat occupancy detection - signal invalid (passenger). This code indicates an implausible seat occupancy detection signal, which the airbag control unit interprets as an error.
- **B0075**: Supplemental Deployment Circuit No. 1 Short to Ground or Voltage Out of Range. This fault describes a short circuit or voltage deviation in the supplemental deployment circuit of the airbag system.
- **B0077**: Left side damage sensor error. The airbag control unit reports an error in the connected left side damage sensor, which impairs correct accident detection.
- **B0078**: Right Side Damage Sensor Fault. Similar to B0077, this code indicates a fault in the right side damage sensor detected by the control module.
- **B0079**: Incorrect left side damage sensor installed. This trouble code signals to the control module that an incompatible or faulty side damage sensor is connected to the left side of the vehicle.
- **B0080**: Discard left side damage sensor. The control unit recommends replacing the left side damage sensor because it has detected a permanent malfunction or incompatibility.
What part numbers are available for the Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control unit repair?
When repairing a Saturn Ion Coupe airbag control unit, knowing the exact part number is crucial to ensure compatibility. The following OEM part numbers are verified for the airbag control unit of the Saturn Ion Coupe (approx. 2003-2007) and are relevant for a reset or replacement to restore full safety.
- **22725728** (General Motors / Autoliv) – This is a genuine OEM airbag control unit part number that comes directly from GM and the supplier Autoliv.
- **21998560** (General Motors / Autoliv) – This alternative OEM number is for an equivalent airbag control module in the Saturn Ion Coupe and is also validated by GM/Autoliv.
- **09397452** (General Motors) – Another genuine Airbag Control Module Unit SRS part number listed specifically for Saturn Ion models.
It is highly recommended to check the original part number on the control unit in the vehicle before ordering or requesting a repair. The model year of the Saturn Ion Coupe alone is not sufficient for 100% compatibility, as there may be variations within the series.