The invention relates to a method for monitoring a component (12), in particular a battery, of a motor vehicle having a first control unit (14) for monitoring the component (12) and a second control unit (16) for monitoring the component (12), wherein the second control unit (16) is arranged at a distance from the first control unit (14) and communicates with the first control unit (14), wherein the second control unit (16) is connected to the component (12) via a line (20), in particular a hardware line, comprising the steps of transmitting operating data to the first control unit (14) by means of the second control unit (16), checking the operating data in the first control unit (14), transmitting data from the first control unit (14) to the second control unit (16), switching off the component (12) by means of the second control unit (16) if interference is detected by means of the first control unit (14) and/or the second control unit (16). The invention makes possible spatial separation of the control unit to be tested from the control unit carrying out the switching off, wherein the installation position of the control unit to be tested can be selected freely.