What is a Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit?
The Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit is the central safety unit that activates all occupant restraint systems in the event of an accident. It continuously monitors sensors, stores relevant crash data, and ensures the proper functioning of all airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners in the vehicle to guarantee maximum occupant safety.
This control unit is responsible for controlling the passive safety systems in the Citroën Xsara VTS I.
It processes signals from impact sensors and decides whether to deploy the airbags and belt tensioners.
Why is the Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit defective?
A Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit is often defective because it stores crash data after an accident, which blocks the system and causes a persistent airbag warning light. Internal memory errors, software problems, or insufficient power supply can also lead to failure, making repair or replacement unavoidable.
Typical causes of failure include internal electronic defects or the storage of crash data after an impact.
This stored data permanently blocks the system until it is professionally deleted or the device is repaired.
A faulty power supply or software problems can also cause the airbag control unit to no longer function correctly.
Common error codes for Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit repair
When repairing a Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit, specific B-codes often occur. These codes indicate internal errors such as communication problems, memory defects, or software glitches. These codes indicate a problem directly within the control unit itself, not with sensors or other components of the airbag system.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → Internal communication interruption of the airbag ECU.
- B1001 → Internal memory error in the control unit → Defect in the working memory of the airbag module.
- B1002 → Airbag control unit voltage supply insufficient → Poor or unstable power supply to the control unit.
- B1003 → Airbag control unit memory error (EEPROM) → Permanent data error in the ECU's non-volatile memory.
- B1004 → Control unit software error → Damage or corruption of the internal firmware.
- B1020 → CAN-BUS communication error with airbag control unit → Malfunction in the data transmission between the ECU and the vehicle network.
- B1021 → Control unit does not start correctly → Boot error of the airbag control unit.
- B1030 → Airbag control unit reset required → Required system restart request after error or repair.
What part numbers are available for the Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit repair?
For the Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit repair, the original OEM part numbers 9633504180 and 9646469180 from Citroën/Autoliv are relevant, as they have been directly verified for the model. Another compatible, but not specific, part number is 600237600 from Autoliv, primarily for the Xsara II.
The primary verified OEM part numbers for the Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit are **9633504180** and **9646469180**.
Both numbers come from Citroën or the supplier Autoliv and have been repeatedly confirmed as original parts.
As a possible compatible alternative, but mainly for the Xsara II (engine code 8HZ), the Autoliv OEM number **600237600** is listed.
It is important to match the exact part number of the old part to ensure correct function after the Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit repair or replacement.
Function and installation of the Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit
The Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit is essential for occupant safety, processing crash sensor data and deploying the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of an impact. It is typically installed below the center console or in the passenger footwell and communicates via the vehicle's internal diagnostic system.
The control unit is the central unit for monitoring and controlling the entire airbag system.
It receives signals from impact and seat occupancy sensors to manage the deployment of airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
The installation location is usually under the center console near the gearshift or in the passenger footwell.
Before performing any work on the system, the battery must be disconnected and a waiting period of approximately 10 minutes must be observed to prevent accidental activation.
Citroën Xsara VTS I Airbag Control Unit Repair: Benefits and Process
Repairing a Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new one, especially if only crash data needs to be erased or minor internal errors need to be corrected. The process includes diagnostics, troubleshooting, and erasing the crash memory to restore full functionality of the safety system.
Repairing the control unit is often an economical alternative to buying a new one, especially after an accident.
This includes, among other things, clearing the crash memory and correcting any internal errors.
Professional workshops or specialists can diagnose and repair the control unit to correct any malfunction.
After successful Citroën Xsara VTS I airbag control unit repair, the airbag warning light no longer lights up and the safety system is fully functional again.