Common Faults in Dacia and Renault Airbag Modules (SRS ECU) and How to Fix Them
Airbag modules, also known as SRS ECUs, are critical safety components in all modern vehicles — and Dacia and Renault models are no exception. These control units are responsible for detecting collisions and triggering airbag deployment at the right moment. However, like many electronic systems, they are prone to specific faults that can compromise vehicle safety. In this post, we’ll explore the most common issues affecting Dacia and Renault airbag modules, including loss of communication, stored crash data, and internal component failures. We’ll also explain what causes these problems and how they can be professionally repaired to restore full system functionality.
Common Faults:
- No connection or communication with the SRS module
Common Faults in Dacia and Renault Airbag Modules
Airbag modules in Dacia and Renault vehicles are typically manufactured by Continental or Bosch and are identified by part numbers such as 285556282R, 985103219R, and similar codes. These units are found in popular models like the Dacia Lodgy, Dokker, Logan, Sandero, and Renault Clio and Captur. Over time, several recurring issues have been observed across these units.
1. No Communication with the SRS ECU
One of the most common problems is a complete loss of communication between the diagnostic tools and the airbag module. This fault often arises without warning and renders the system inaccessible for fault code reading or clearing. The root causes can include:
Internal microcontroller failure
Faulty power supply or ground connections
Corrupted software or crash data lock-up
Moisture ingress or corrosion on the PCB
When this fault occurs, standard OBD scanners typically show a timeout or “no response from module” message. Despite the absence of diagnostic feedback, the SRS warning light will usually remain illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a critical fault.
2. Stored Crash Data
Another frequent issue is the presence of crash data stored within the airbag ECU after a collision or even a minor bump. Once crash data is stored, the unit locks out further airbag deployment and triggers the SRS warning light. Even if the airbags themselves haven’t deployed, this stored event renders the module inactive.
Replacing the module is expensive and often unnecessary. Instead, the existing unit can be reset to clear the crash data and restore full functionality.
3. Internal Component Failure
As with any electronic control unit, airbag modules are susceptible to component degradation. Over time, capacitors, resistors, or memory chips can fail due to:
Electrical surges
Vibration fatigue
Thermal cycling inside the cabin or engine bay
These issues can manifest as intermittent faults, communication errors, or unexpected airbag light triggers. In some cases, fault codes such as “Control Unit Fault”, “Internal Error”, or “Crash Sensor Signal Fault” may be logged intermittently.
How to Fix These Issues
At Essex Recons, we offer a comprehensive repair and remanufacturing service for Dacia and Renault airbag modules. We diagnose and test each ECU using manufacturer-level tools and simulated vehicle conditions. Common services include:
Clearing crash data
Replacing failed internal components
Restoring lost communication
Each repaired unit is returned plug-and-play, meaning no coding or reprogramming is required — simply refit and go. All original settings, including VIN and configuration data, are retained.
Part Numbers
285556282R, 285556510R, 285556514R, 285556642R, 285557183R, 285557419R, 285585805R, 959108115R, 985100179R, 985100209R, 985100336R, 985100383R, 985100566R, 985100858R, 985101085R, 985101389R, 985101902R, 985101973R, 985102122R, 985102787R, 985103207R, 985103219R, 985103258R, 985103783R, 985103823R, 985103868R, 985104074R, 985104162R, 985104207R, 985104418R, 985105123R, 985105129R, 985106142R, 985106185R, 985106190R, 985106332R, 985106335R, 985106603R, 985106966R, 985107400R, 985107930R, 985108185R, 985108995R, 985109354R, 985109511R, 985109629R
