Airbag control unit with part number P04896617AC

What does the airbag control unit P04896617AC do?

For Dodge, the airbag control unit P04896617AC is the central component of the restraint system (SRS). It analyses the signals of the crash sensors and decides in an accident, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

It monitors the system without interruption and reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

If an accident has occurred, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit P04896617AC fail?

The most common cause of a defect in the P04896617AC is stored crash data, even if no airbag was triggered. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plugs, and voltage spikes come on top of that.

Crash data remains stored when read out with a normal diagnostic tool. Only the repair at Airbag24 removes it.

Ageing components and cold solder joints impair signal transmission.

Moisture and corrosion at plug connections, as well as voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, are also among the possible causes.

How can you tell that the P04896617AC is defective?

A defect in the P04896617AC can be recognised by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently, and by several further signs.

The signs include:

• fault message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit
• fault memory that cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore fail to trigger.

Which vehicles is the P04896617AC fitted in?

The control unit P04896617AC is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Caliber PM (2006-2009) and PM Facelift (2009-2011). The list shows the vehicles for which this part number is recorded.

These vehicles are on record:

• Dodge Caliber PM (2006-2009)
• Dodge Caliber PM Facelift (2009-2011)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you have the right unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read, because only this result 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 4672602AB, 4896616AA, 4896616AB, 68148034AA, P04672603AE, P04896621AE.

How does the repair of the P04896617AC work?

First have the fault memory read and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the P04896617AC. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

After that, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 checks it, repairs defective components, deletes crash data and carries out a function test.

Finally, you get 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 P04896617AC get to Airbag24?

You send your control unit P04896617AC as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

You enclose the printed repair order with the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.