Airbag control unit with part number P04896617AE

What does the airbag control unit P04896617AE do?

Within the restraint system (SRS) of Dodge, the airbag control unit P04896617AE is the central unit. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system continuously.

If it detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself; only the repair lifts the lock.

You won't notice any of this in everyday driving.

Why does the control unit P04896617AE fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes include ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture on plug connections and voltage spikes.

Crash data remains in the unit after the event and cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

The other causes in detail:

• electronic components that age over the years
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the P04896617AE is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster staying on permanently or lighting up intermittently, as an error message, as a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Signs at a glance:

• airbag warning light on, permanently or intermittently
• error message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool gets no connection
• fault memory cannot be cleared

If any of these signs appear, have the car checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the P04896617AE fitted in?

The airbag control unit P04896617AE is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Caliber PM (2006-2009) and PM Facelift (2009-2011).

The following vehicles are listed for this part number:

• 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. That way you know it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the log shows whether the control unit itself is the cause or a plug or cable.

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 P04896617AE work?

For the repair of the P04896617AE, first have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the unit in, well packed. Testing, repair and function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. The unit then 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 P04896617AE get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit P04896617AE as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

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