Airbag control unit with part number 8635A659

What does the airbag control unit 8635A659 do?

As an airbag control unit, the 8635A659 controls the restraint system (SRS) in the Mitsubishi. It detects crashes through the crash sensors, triggers airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within fractions of a second, and monitors all components of the system on the side. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit also works constantly during normal driving. It checks the wiring, the power supply and the ignition circuits, and it logs faults in the memory. The airbag warning light makes reported faults visible to the driver.

The lock after an accident is not noticeable in everyday life. It only becomes apparent when reading out, if the diagnostic tool has no access to the control unit.

Why does the control unit 8635A659 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. This cannot be removed with a normal diagnostic tool. Aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes also come into consideration as causes.

The crash data arises regardless of the result of the deployment, because the unit records the accident event. A normal diagnostic tool does not remove it.

The other causes concern the electronics itself. Solder joints can lose contact over time, moisture and corrosion impair the contact at plugs, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, put strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 8635A659 is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or only intermittently, through a fault message in the instrument cluster, through a lack of contact between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, or through a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

These signs occur individually or in combination:

• The airbag warning light burns permanently or lights up intermittently.
• A fault message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool cannot communicate with the control unit.
• The fault memory remains even after an attempt to clear it.

In such a state, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may in an emergency not deploy. The finding must therefore be taken seriously and clarified promptly.

Which vehicles is the 8635A659 fitted in?

The control unit 8635A659 is fitted in these vehicles: Mitsubishi Outlander GF (2012-2015), GF 2nd Facelift (from 2018) and GF 1st Facelift (2015-2018). The details refer to exactly this part number.

The vehicles at a glance:

• Mitsubishi Outlander GF (2012-2015)
• Mitsubishi Outlander GF 2nd Facelift (from 2018)
• Mitsubishi Outlander GF 1st Facelift (2015-2018)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only shows that it is the right unit. Secondly, have the fault memory read out beforehand. Only the log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 8635A215, 8635A221, 8635A282, 8635A283, 8635A304, 8635A305.

How does the repair of the 8635A659 work?

At the start comes the reading out of the fault memory, whose log is enclosed with the unit; then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. You create the repair order online before you send the well-packed unit. At Airbag24 the processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Before removal, safety at the vehicle is therefore established first: secure the log, disconnect the battery, then take out the control unit.

At Airbag24 the unit is examined on the test bench. Defective components are replaced, stored crash data is deleted, and finally a function test is carried out. Afterwards you receive your own unit back.

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 8635A659 get to Airbag24?

The unit reaches Airbag24 either as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings your own unit back to you.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the control unit shockproof so that nothing is damaged in transit.