What is a General Motors Firebird III airbag control module?
The General Motors Firebird III airbag control unit is the central safety unit in vehicles of this series, precisely activating all occupant restraint systems, such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, in the event of a collision. It continuously monitors sensor data, stores important crash information, and thus ensures the proper functioning of the passive safety systems.
This electronic control unit (ECU) is essential to the safety of vehicle occupants in modern GM vehicles, including later production models of the Firebird.
It interprets sensor data in milliseconds to take life-saving measures in an emergency and is protected against malfunctions.
Why is the General Motors Firebird III airbag control unit defective?
A General Motors Firebird III airbag control module may be defective because internal components fail due to aging, overvoltage, or moisture, or because crash data has been permanently stored after an accident that requires resetting or replacement to restore vehicle safety.
Often a defect is due to internal memory errors or power supply problems that prevent correct function.
Corrosion caused by moisture ingress or damage to the connectors can also lead to malfunctions in the control unit.
After an airbag is deployed, the control unit stores crash data that prevents further functioning and requires professional repair or replacement.
Common error codes for General Motors Firebird III airbag control unit repair
In General Motors Firebird III airbag control unit repair, specific B-codes indicate internal problems with the control unit, such as communication errors, memory defects, or self-diagnostic issues that require targeted troubleshooting.
- B1000: Control Module Communication Error – This code indicates that the airbag control module cannot establish a proper connection with other systems, often caused by internal errors or wiring problems.
- B1001: Control Unit Memory Error – Indicates a malfunction in the internal memory of the airbag control unit, which affects the storage of important data or program sequences and can lead to system failure.
- B1002: Control Unit Internal Logic Error – This error code indicates a problem within the processing logic of the control unit, which affects its core functions and suggests a hardware defect.
- B1003: Control Module Power Supply Error – Indicates an insufficient or unstable power supply to the airbag module, which affects its correct operation and endangers the functionality of the system.
- B1010: Airbag ECU EEPROM Memory Error – This code indicates a critical defect in the control unit’s non-volatile memory, which stores crash data or configurations, and requires repair.
- B1098: Airbag Control Module Self-Test Failure – Indicates that the control module could not successfully complete its internal self-test, which indicates a hardware or software error and affects the operational readiness.
- B1100: Intermittent Communication Error – Describes intermittent problems in the control module's communication, often caused by loose connections or intermittent faults in the system, and requiring accurate diagnosis.
- B1121: Loose Connector/Connection to Control Module – This code indicates that one or more of the connectors to the airbag control module are loose or corroded, which is interfering with signal transmission.
- B1131: Internal Control Unit Diagnostic Communication Error – Indicates problems with the control unit’s internal diagnostic communication, which makes accurate fault analysis difficult and indicates a deeper control unit fault.
- B1250: Airbag ECU Programming Error – This code indicates that the control unit has been incorrectly programmed or there is a software calibration issue, which requires reprogramming.
What part numbers are available for the General Motors Firebird III airbag control unit repair?
Finding exact part numbers for the General Motors Firebird III airbag control module can be complex because direct references are rare; however, related GM OEM numbers such as 10448683 and 15299579, which were used for compatible GM platforms such as the Corvette C6, can serve as a clue to a possible repair.
For the General Motors Firebird III, especially the 1990s production models, direct airbag control unit part numbers are difficult to verify.
Verified GM OEM part numbers that were used in technologically similar GM vehicles and can therefore serve as a reference include:
- 10448683 (GM Original, originally for GM Corvette C6 models from 2005-2013)
- 15299579 (GM Original, also for related GM Corvette platforms)
The GM part number 26033477 has been mentioned for GM models from the 1990s and could potentially be compatible, but is not explicitly verified as an airbag control unit.
No specific OEM part numbers from well-known suppliers such as Bosch, Continental, Siemens or Autoliv for this particular model could be found in the available sources.
For 100% reliability when repairing the General Motors Firebird III airbag control unit, we always recommend comparing it with official GM parts catalogs or professional databases such as TecDoc.