Airbag control unit with part number P04896178AE

What does the airbag control unit P04896178AE do?

The P04896178AE is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Dodge. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs in the background, without you noticing anything. The unit checks sensors, wiring and triggers continuously and displays detected faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

As long as everything is in order, the control unit remains unobtrusive. Only when a fault occurs does it become apparent at the light or in a message in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit P04896178AE fail?

For control unit P04896178AE, the most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The crash data remain in the memory even if no airbag has opened. They are among the causes that a check finds first in the fault memory.

The other causes tend to develop gradually. Plug connections can corrode, components age, and voltage fluctuations stress the electronics over a longer period.

How can you tell that the P04896178AE is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. A fault message may appear alongside it, the diagnostic tool receives no connection to the P04896178AE, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not be able to deploy. Have such a finding checked promptly.

The warning light shows the finding even when the vehicle is driving unremarkably in everyday use.

Which vehicles is the P04896178AE fitted in?

The P04896178AE is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Ram DR/DH/D1/DC/DM Facelift (2006-2009) and DR/DH/D1/DC/DM (2002-2006).

The overview shows the vehicles to which this part number applies:

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

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is shown only by reading out the fault memory beforehand.

How does the repair of the P04896178AE work?

First have the fault memory of the P04896178AE read out and attach the log to the unit, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 needs 3–4 working days in total for the check, the repair and the function test.

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 is returned 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 P04896178AE get to Airbag24?

You send in the control unit P04896178AE as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.