What is a Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit?
The Porsche 944 Turbo S 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 in the vehicle. A professional Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit repair restores safety.
This electronic component is responsible for monitoring and deploying the driver and passenger airbags in the event of an accident. It processes signals from internal safety sensors as well as two front impact sensors.
In the event of a fault, the control unit activates the airbag warning light and stores the corresponding error codes.
Why is the Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit defective?
The Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit often fails because it stores crash data after an impact, internal components fail due to age, or electrical problems such as overvoltage occur. A repair is a cost-effective and safe alternative to purchasing a new one to restore the safety system's full functionality.
Common causes include internal circuit faults or memory failures that result in a permanently illuminated airbag warning light.
Communication errors with other vehicle systems or contact problems at the connectors can also cause a failure.
After an accident, the control unit is often overwritten with crash data, which blocks a function and requires a targeted Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit repair.
Common error codes for Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit repair
When repairing the Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit, control unit-specific error codes are crucial. They indicate internal defects or communication problems. These codes guide the diagnosis and the necessary steps to correct the failure and restore the safety system to full functionality.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → Internal defect or wiring problems.
- 11 or 12 → Sensor connection to control unit faulty → Loose contacts or corrosion on the connector.
- 13 or 14 → Control unit error (if sensors are okay) → Internal component defect in the control unit.
- 17 to 1A → Control unit must be replaced → Critical internal control unit error.
- 1B, 1E, 21, 24 → Contact/connector problems with control unit or airbag unit → Poor connection or damaged pins.
- 1C, 1D, 1F, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26 → Airbag module control unit communication/defect codes → Data transmission error or defective module.
- 27 → Check the connector to the airbag control unit/contacts → Improper installation or loose connector.
What part numbers are available for the Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit repair?
For the Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit repair, the primary verified OEM part number is 94434798906, a genuine Porsche part number for the driver's side airbag control unit. To date, no other 100% compatible or verified OEM alternative numbers from suppliers such as Bosch or Continental have been found.
The specific part number 944 347 989 06 comes from the official Porsche parts catalog and is verified for the 1989 Porsche 944 (including Turbo S).
Other control unit variants, such as 944 618 217 00 or 944 618 217 01, exist for other 944 models or years of manufacture, but are not directly listed as alternatives for the specific Turbo S airbag control unit.
Since airbag control units are safety-relevant, in the event of a defect, we strongly recommend using the original part number or having the original unit professionally repaired.
Technical specifications of the Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit
The Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit continuously monitors the occupant restraint system by processing signals from two front mechanical impact sensors and an internal safety sensor. Only when an impact is simultaneously detected by the internal sensor and at least one external sensor does it deploy the airbags via two separate firing circuits to ensure maximum safety.
The control unit's internal safety logic prevents the airbags from misfiring, for example due to strong vibrations during maintenance.
Error codes are stored in the internal memory and can be read out via a diagnostic line to enable efficient troubleshooting.
It operates with a typical vehicle electrical system voltage of 12 volts and controls the ignition circuits for the driver and passenger airbags.
Installation and compatibility of the Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit
The Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit is typically installed in the interior, often behind the center console or near the dashboard. A professional Porsche 944 Turbo S airbag control unit repair takes into account the specific connection options and compatibilities of the model.
This control unit is primarily compatible with the Porsche 944 Turbo S from around 1987 to the early 1990s.
It can also be found in other 944 Turbo and 944 S2 Coupé models, although there may have been different control unit variants.
Before disassembly, it is essential to disconnect the battery to avoid accidental airbag deployment.
Connections include multi-pin connectors to the vehicle wiring and to the respective airbag ignition circuits.