What is a Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit?
The Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit is the central safety unit that activates all occupant restraint systems in the event of an accident. It precisely monitors sensors, stores relevant crash data, and ensures the immediate and proper deployment of all airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners in the vehicle to optimally protect occupants and minimize injuries.
This module is specifically tailored to the Porsche 944 S2, built around 1990/1991, and was initially installed as an optional extra, later as standard equipment. It serves as the electronic brain for your classic car's passive safety system.
The control unit continuously monitors signals from acceleration sensors. If an accident with critical deceleration is detected, the airbag pyrotechnics are triggered.
Why is the Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit defective?
A Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit often fails due to electronic components aging over time, corrosion on connectors, or internal short circuits. Age-related wear, moisture ingress, or even unprofessional interventions can lead to failure, necessitating a Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit repair.
The system has self-diagnostic features that can detect fault conditions such as broken sensor wires. These problems then cause the airbag warning light to signal that the system is defective.
Often, the contact interface in the control unit is affected, which can lead to a failure of the entire airbag function. A precise diagnosis is essential to determine whether a repair is possible or whether a replacement is necessary.
Common error codes for Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit repair
During Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit repairs, specific error codes are often read using flashing sequences or diagnostic tests. These codes indicate problems with sensors, wiring, or the control unit itself. These codes aid in precise diagnosis to determine whether a sensor is defective or whether the control unit needs to be repaired or replaced.
- **01 - 06**: Left or right front sensor defective. → The airbag control unit receives no or incorrect signals from the sensor.
- **07 - 0E**: Check the front sensor for resistance. If OK, replace the control unit. → A sensor problem is suspected, but the control unit could be the actual cause.
- **11 / 12**: Front sensor connector loose or ohm measurement error (infinite ohms = sensor defective). → A poor connection or an open circuit in the sensor is the cause.
- **13 / 14**: Front sensor OK, control unit defective. → The sensor is functioning correctly, but the airbag control unit itself is the source of the error.
- **17 - 1A**: Replace control unit. → A critical internal error requires replacement of the airbag control unit.
- **1B / 1E / 21 / 24**: Check/reinstall the contact unit, replace the control unit if necessary. → Problems with the slip ring on the steering wheel or its connection are causing the error.
- **1C / 1D / 1F / 20 / 22 / 23 / 25 / 26**: Check/reinstall the airbag unit, replace the control unit if necessary. → The airbag unit itself or its wiring is faulty, which may cause failure.
- **27**: Check the airbag connector and contact unit, and reinstall the contact unit if necessary. → A loose or corroded connector to the driver's airbag is detected.
These errors can only be stored in the control unit and are indicated by flashing codes from the airbag warning light. A professional workshop should perform the diagnosis using special testers such as the Bosch Hammer to ensure a correct Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit repair.
What part numbers are available for the Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit repair?
For the Porsche 944 S2 airbag control unit repair, two original OEM part numbers from Porsche are primarily verified: 944 618 217 00 for the Coupé and 944 618 217 01 specifically for the Cabriolet. These numbers guarantee 100% compatibility and are the only officially confirmed ones, as alternative supplier numbers are not clearly documented and therefore carry the risk of failure.
The part number 944 618 217 00 was used for the Porsche 944 and 944 S2 Coupé. It has been verified by established trade magazines such as Excellence Magazine.
The number 944 618 217 01 is the specific part number for the Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet. This control unit also supports the Porsche System Tester 9288 for diagnostics.
No other verified OEM part numbers from Bosch, Continental, Siemens, or Autoliv are documented for the 944 S2 airbag control unit. When replacing, only these original Porsche part numbers should be used.