Airbag control unit with part number 68398611AC

What does the airbag control unit 68398611AC do?

The airbag control unit 68398611AC is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Jeep vehicles. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident, within fractions of a second, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It reports faults in the system via the airbag warning light.

The unit monitors the system continuously while the vehicle is being driven. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

This makes it a central component of passive safety in the vehicle.

Why does the control unit 68398611AC fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the control unit after the accident, with nothing visible from the outside.

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

The unit itself is not the only component that may be affected. A read-out shows the entries, but they cannot be removed that way.

How can you tell that the 68398611AC is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, as an error message in the instrument cluster or as the diagnostic tool being unable to connect to the control unit. In addition, the fault memory cannot be erased.

• airbag warning light permanently or intermittently on
• error message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• fault memory that cannot be erased

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then possibly fail to deploy. Have the system checked promptly.

The warning light belongs to the system and reports faults directly. A lit warning light is a clear signal that should be taken seriously.

Which vehicles is the 68398611AC fitted in?

The control unit 68398611AC is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Wrangler JL (from 2018). Our assignment is based on this part number.

In detail, the following vehicles are concerned:

• Jeep Wrangler JL (from 2018)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page first. This only ensures that you have the right unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read out before removal. Only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause. Both steps belong together, even though they answer different questions.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 68398609AB, P68003421AB.

How does the repair of the 68398611AC work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit. Testing, repair and checking at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Then create a repair order online and pack the unit well before sending it. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards the unit returns to you.

The log of the fault memory helps with the check, because it documents the condition before removal.

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 68398611AC get to Airbag24?

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

Place the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof so that it survives shipping undamaged.