Airbag control unit with part number 04896814AF

What does the airbag control unit 04896814AF do?

As the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) in Dodge, the airbag control unit 04896814AF evaluates sensor signals, decides in a crash within milliseconds about triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the entire system. It shows faults via the airbag warning light.

The manufacturer number Continental 5WK43877 is also printed on the housing. The sensor values are checked continuously, including while driving without an accident.

An accident causes the unit to store crash data and lock itself.

Why does the control unit 04896814AF fail?

Stored crash data from an accident is the most common cause for the 04896814AF, even if no airbag was triggered. Other possible causes are ageing of components, cold solder joints, moisture at the plugs and voltage spikes.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase the crash data. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves and the connections between them. Components age, solder joints can weaken, and moisture causes corrosion.

How can you tell that the 04896814AF is defective?

On the 04896814AF, a defect reveals itself through the airbag warning light, through fault messages in the instrument cluster, or through a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners could then possibly fail to trigger.

The signs include:

• airbag warning light stays on permanently or comes on intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit
• fault memory remains and cannot be cleared

The light alone is not enough for a judgement. Only the fault memory shows whether the control unit itself is affected.

Which vehicles is the 04896814AF fitted in?

The airbag control unit 04896814AF is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Journey 1st generation (2008-2010) and 1st generation Facelift (2010-2020). This applies exclusively to Dodge vehicles.

The models in which the unit is fitted are shown below.

• Dodge Journey 1st generation (2008-2010)
• Dodge Journey 1st generation Facelift (2010-2020)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out before removal, because only this log 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 4896814AH, 56054655AD, 56054655AE, 56054711AD, 56054733AF, 56054744AE.

How does the repair of the 04896814AF work?

For the 04896814AF, first have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Create the repair order online before you send the unit in well packed.

At Airbag24, the unit is examined on the test bench. Defective components are replaced, stored crash data is erased and a function test is carried out. The processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. After that, your own unit comes back 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 04896814AF get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 04896814AF as a parcel. Alternatively, you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-resistant.