Airbag control unit with part number P04896178AC

What does the airbag control unit P04896178AC do?

The airbag control unit P04896178AC manages the restraint system (SRS) of Dodge. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an impact, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

While driving, the unit monitors the connections of the system without interruption. If it detects a fault, it reports this via the airbag warning light.

Why does the control unit P04896178AC fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag was triggered in the accident. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool; Airbag24 erases it during the repair. The other causes concern the electronics themselves: components age, solder joints can be cold, and moisture with corrosion attacks the plug connections.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, are also possible causes.

How can you tell that the P04896178AC is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message appears in the instrument cluster. In addition, the diagnostic tool does not establish a connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. Then airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency.

If the warning light stays on permanently or only intermittently, the control unit has detected a fault. It shows the fault directly in your field of view as soon as the ignition is switched on.

If the diagnostic tool cannot find the control unit, or the fault memory remains occupied after being read out, this also points to a fault.

Which vehicles is the P04896178AC fitted in?

This control unit P04896178AC was fitted by Dodge in these vehicles: Dodge Ram DR/DH/D1/DC/DM Facelift (2006-2009) and DR/DH/D1/DC/DM (2002-2006). Compare your vehicle with this list before you remove the unit.

The models in detail:

• Dodge Ram DR/DH/D1/DC/DM Facelift (2006-2009)
• Dodge Ram DR/DH/D1/DC/DM (2002-2006)

Comparing the part number on the label with this page only ensures that it is the correct unit. The fault memory shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause, so have it read out beforehand.

How does the repair of the P04896178AC work?

In advance, have the fault memory read out and enclose the log; then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit. Then create the repair order online and send in the carefully packed unit. At Airbag24, testing, repairing and checking usually take 3–4 working days.

In detail, Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out 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 P04896178AC get to Airbag24?

The shipment is made as a parcel, or alternatively UPS collects the unit for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS after the repair.

A printed repair order belongs in the box, and the unit must be packed shockproof.