Airbag control unit with part number 8635A396

What does the airbag control unit 8635A396 do?

The airbag control unit 8635A396 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Mitsubishi. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, determines within milliseconds in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

During operation the unit checks continuously whether all connected components deliver plausible values. If it detects a deviation, it shows this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

In this way the condition of the system remains visible even without a diagnostic tool, and that is precisely the purpose of the monitoring.

Why does the control unit 8635A396 fail?

With the 8635A396, the most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, and this is so even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes are ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Airbag24 erases it during the repair, so the unit then works again without this entry.

Electronic components age, and solder joints can go cold over time. Moisture has a corrosive effect on plug connections. Voltage spikes arise, for example, with a weak battery or when a jump start is used.

How can you tell that the 8635A396 is defective?

A defect in the 8635A396 shows up as the airbag warning light, which lights up continuously or intermittently, as fault messages in the instrument cluster and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

Typical signs at a glance:

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently
• fault message is shown in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool receives no connection to the control unit
• fault memory cannot be cleared

As long as these signs persist, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not trigger in an emergency. Do not ignore such a warning; have the system checked instead.

Which vehicles is the 8635A396 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 8635A396 is fitted in these vehicles: Mitsubishi Space Star A00 (2012-2016), A00 1st Facelift (2016-2019) and A00 2nd Facelift (from 2019).

The following overview lists the vehicles we have on record for this part number:

• Mitsubishi Space Star A00 (2012-2016)
• Mitsubishi Space Star A00 1st Facelift (2016-2019)
• Mitsubishi Space Star A00 2nd Facelift (from 2019)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because 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 8635A409, 8635A409MB101, 8635A601.

How does the repair of the 8635A396 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 8635A396. Online you create a repair order and pack the unit well before sending it in.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a functional test. Afterwards the unit goes back to you. The stated deadline applies solely to these tasks at Airbag24.

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 8635A396 get to Airbag24?

You send the 8635A396 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel. Pack the control unit shockproof before handing it over.