SDM Airbag module conceptual question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 386
Likes: 149
SDM Airbag module conceptual question
Hi Guys,
As some of you may have seen the dealership "diagnosed" my car to having a faulty SDM module because it intermittently throws the airbag light while on the track. (I've removed seats to check for wiring and cannot find anything that would cause that). But anyway, the part number for the SDM module for my car 2019zr1 is out of stock in the entirety of USA. Now, i was able to source a 2017 Z06 SDM module (used) from a part out. The module looks physically the same (but part number on it is different)
Here is the question: Is this something that will work across the years? Let's say even if i get the dealership to flash the latest calibration if needed for example. Has anyone done this?
Thank you
As some of you may have seen the dealership "diagnosed" my car to having a faulty SDM module because it intermittently throws the airbag light while on the track. (I've removed seats to check for wiring and cannot find anything that would cause that). But anyway, the part number for the SDM module for my car 2019zr1 is out of stock in the entirety of USA. Now, i was able to source a 2017 Z06 SDM module (used) from a part out. The module looks physically the same (but part number on it is different)
Here is the question: Is this something that will work across the years? Let's say even if i get the dealership to flash the latest calibration if needed for example. Has anyone done this?
Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 792
From: Silicon Valley
They changed some of the wiring in 2019. I would imagine the SDM has a specific part number for 2019 because of that.
The connectors may be the same, but the terminals may not go to the same circuits. You plug that sucker in and all hell might break loose.
The connectors may be the same, but the terminals may not go to the same circuits. You plug that sucker in and all hell might break loose.
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,790
Likes: 2,223
From: Sammamish, WA
GM is known to modify the calibration of these controllers per capabilities of the car. In short, they want the airbags to deploy as quickly as possible, and they change the thresholds per car's own capabilities. If it were me, I'd be hesitant.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
Likes: 4,142
From: Kansas City, MO
Is your car an early build? GM recalled 500 ZR1s over this exact issue. The car could generate higher g-forces than the SDM was calibrated for, which caused errors.
https://jalopnik.com/gm-recalls-almo...-ri-1826992819
Inline with what the other two guys said, I wouldn't go mixing and matching modules. It could be a subtle difference, or it could be a totally different processor inside and won't work at all. Just hold out for the right part.
https://jalopnik.com/gm-recalls-almo...-ri-1826992819
Inline with what the other two guys said, I wouldn't go mixing and matching modules. It could be a subtle difference, or it could be a totally different processor inside and won't work at all. Just hold out for the right part.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 386
Likes: 149
So, i have confirmed from 2 sources that all c7 corvettes form 2017 -2019 use the same new part number for the SDM module. Which is the same module that is on national backorder. The 2017 module that i got is not that part number. My running theory is that sometime after 2017 GM came up with a different part number (for whatever reason) for the 2017+ C7s. Do you guys see what this means? I am pretty sure that the modules are interchangeable (obviously i will need the calibration flashed). But as far as wiring goes, I am 99.9% sure that it should be the same.
I am waiting on my source from the dealer to confirm that the 2017 part number that i got from a 2017 car is indeed superseded by the new part number.
I am waiting on my source from the dealer to confirm that the 2017 part number that i got from a 2017 car is indeed superseded by the new part number.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
Likes: 4,142
From: Kansas City, MO
There's still a potential issue. The SDM carries data related to the car's electronic security system. Not the key fobs, but codes that prevent it from starting if it detects certain modules have been incorrectly replaced with used ones. It's called an environment variable. It may not be reinitialized during a reflash. Some of GMs documentation is contradictory on that point.
Read more here: https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448794
Read more here: https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448794
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 386
Likes: 149
Quick update for everyone. As mentioned above, i got a used SDM module from a 2017 z06. The numbers printed on the module itself (there are a total of 2 "part numbers" printed on each module) are not actual part numbers. And as long as the unit came out of the 2017-2019 corvette it is the same part number. I spoke to my dealer and told them that i am willing to install this myself if they are willing to flash it for me. The service advisor (whom i know personally) spoke to the corvette tech (whom i also know personally) and told me that it is safe to plug in the module and that they will try to reflash it. He did warn me that sometimes the module will not take the flash. So i will be going to the dealer in a few days to try and flash it.
Last edited by mityaz; Nov 1, 2021 at 08:46 AM.
