Airbag control unit with part number 04896097AE

What does the airbag control unit 04896097AE do?

The airbag control unit 04896097AE controls the restraint system (SRS) in Dodge. It reads the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It monitors the entire system continuously and indicates faults via the airbag warning light.

The device stores detected faults in the fault memory, which a diagnostic tool can read out.

After a crash, it stores crash data and locks itself. The next section shows how this affects the repair.

Why does the control unit 04896097AE fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. These cannot be deleted with a normal diagnostic tool. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Airbag24 removes the crash data during the repair.

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example after a jump start or with a weak battery

How can you tell that the 04896097AE is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently. In addition, a fault message may appear, the diagnostic tool may be unable to establish a connection, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

In the event of a defect, the warning light reports the finding directly, and a fault message in the instrument cluster confirms it. Such signs are reason enough to have the cause clarified.

Which vehicles is the 04896097AE fitted in?

For Dodge, the part number determines the assignment. The 04896097AE is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Charger 6th generation (2006-2010).

This list gives the models:

• Dodge Charger 6th generation (2006-2010)

Compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page, and you will know it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand as well, because only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 56054077AH, 68316744AA, 68371748AA, 68371750AA.

How does the repair of the 04896097AE work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the unit, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Create a repair order online, then send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards, your own unit is returned to you.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects.

The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 04896097AE get to Airbag24?

Either you send the unit as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it by UPS after the repair.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the unit shockproof.