Airbag control unit with part number 68163813AB

What does the airbag control unit 68163813AB do?

The airbag control unit 68163813AB is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Dodge. It continuously checks the crash sensors, decides in an emergency on triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and stores crash data after an accident. Then it locks itself.

Triggering happens within milliseconds, so the unit works without detour. It reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 68163813AB fail?

Most often the control unit 68163813AB fails because of stored crash data, even if no airbag fired. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase this data. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible.

Crash data is stored also in events without an airbag triggering. A diagnostic tool without a special function cannot remove it, so the fault persists.

Other causes are general in nature. Electronic components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture lets plug connections corrode. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 68163813AB is defective?

A defect on the 68163813AB shows through several signs that can be recognised in the vehicle or measured at the diagnostic tool. Typical are the airbag warning light, an error message in the instrument cluster, missing connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

• The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights permanently or only at times.
• An error message on the airbag system appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool establishes no connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

As long as one of these signs is present, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency. The warning light shows the condition and is the indication by which you recognise it.

Which vehicles is the 68163813AB fitted in?

The control unit 68163813AB is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Journey 1st generation (2008-2010) and 1st generation Facelift (2010-2020). The assignment applies to part number 68163813AB.

The individual vehicle details are in this list:

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

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only ensures that you have the right unit, nothing more. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, as only that 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, 56054733AF, 56054777AF, 56054811AD, 56054811AE, 68139316AC.

How does the repair of the 68163813AB work?

The repair begins with reading out the fault memory and enclosing the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 68163813AB, create a repair order online and send the unit well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, clears stored crash data and runs a function test. Afterwards your own unit goes 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 68163813AB get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 68163813AB as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.