What is a Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control module?
The Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control module, also known as the SDM or RCM, is the central module for your vehicle's safety systems. It monitors all sensors, detects the need to activate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of a collision, and stores important crash data. This control module is critical to occupant safety.
It precisely processes signals from acceleration and G-force sensors to reliably identify collisions. It then instantly initiates the deployment of the appropriate airbags and pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners to protect the occupants.
This module is responsible for all airbag systems in the 3rd-generation Tahoe, including driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags. It is an integral part of the comprehensive safety management system your vehicle offers.
Why is the Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control module defective?
The Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control unit is often reported as defective after an accident because it stores one-time crash data and then locks up. Internal hardware or software errors, power surges, or communication problems can also cause failure, necessitating a Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control unit repair.
A common cause of failure is the storage of so-called crash data, which puts the module into a locked state after the airbag system is deployed. This prevents unintended reuse and requires a reset service.
Internal malfunctions, such as those indicated by error codes B1620 or 65535, can also render the control unit unusable. Such defects impair the reliability of the entire airbag system and are a clear case for repair.
Communication problems with other vehicle modules, often signaled by U0151, or power supply errors can also damage the airbag control unit. Early diagnosis can prevent more serious damage and identify the need for a complete repair.
Common error codes for Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control unit repair
During Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control module repair, specific error codes may occur that indicate internal defects or communication issues within the module. These codes are crucial for an accurate diagnosis because they directly affect the functionality of the control module itself, not other airbag components.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → Signals problems in the connection between the airbag control unit and diagnostic devices.
- B1014 → Control unit communication error → Indicates a faulty data transmission of the airbag module.
- B1620 → Internal Error – Replaces the SRSCM → Indicates a serious internal defect in the airbag control module, often requiring replacement.
- B1231 → Event threshold exceeded → May indicate an exceedance of the trigger threshold or an internal diagnostic error.
- B1239 → Airbag Diagnostic Sensor Unit Malfunction → Affects the internal diagnostic logic of the airbag control unit itself.
- B1499 → Deployed airbag detected → Confirms the presence of crash data after deployment.
- 65535 → Intermittent internal control module memory error → A general memory defect that affects the functionality of the module.
- U0151 → Loss of communication with airbag control unit → Indicates a broken connection between the airbag control unit and the vehicle CAN bus.
What part numbers are available for the Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control unit repair?
For Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control unit repairs, OEM part numbers such as 13552060 and 19369371, which are provided by AC Delco/GM, are primarily relevant. However, it is essential to verify exact compatibility with the vehicle identification number (VIN), as the part number can vary greatly depending on the year of manufacture and equipment.
Part number 13552060 is frequently verified as an official OEM replacement part for the 3rd generation Chevrolet Tahoe. It is listed by various sources as a suitable part for this model and is a good starting point for your repair.
The number 19369371 is also a common OEM part number found in parts catalogs for the Tahoe GMT900. Other frequently mentioned numbers such as 10367768, 10363983, and 15820418 exist, but always require VIN-based verification.
It's important to note that supplier part numbers from manufacturers like TRW or Bosch are not publicly listed as spare parts. For a successful Chevrolet Tahoe 3rd Gen airbag control unit repair, you should always refer to the official GM or AC Delco part numbers and have them checked precisely.