Airbag control unit with part number P68031601AA

What does the airbag control unit P68031601AA do?

The airbag control unit P68031601AA is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Jeep. It determines from the crash sensors whether an accident requires airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to be triggered, and acts within milliseconds. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself; the lock is lifted only by the repair.

The unit monitors the system permanently. It indicates faults via the airbag warning light, so the state of the restraint system remains readable at all times.

The function is therefore twofold: triggering in an emergency and checking permanently.

Why does the control unit P68031601AA fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed, and it cannot be erased with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or a jump start.

The crash data is created regardless of whether an airbag has deployed. The unit keeps it in memory, and reading it out with the diagnostic tool changes nothing.

Aging, moisture and corrosion act on the electronics and contacts over time. Solder joints can give way, and a voltage spike stresses components when the vehicle voltage briefly drops or when starting with external power.

How can you tell that the P68031601AA is defective?

A defect on the P68031601AA shows first at the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Added to this are a fault message in the instrument cluster, no connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

These signs mean that airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency. Therefore have the system checked promptly as soon as the light comes on.

A diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit is also a sign. In that case it is initially unclear whether the control unit itself or the cable leading to it is affected.

Which vehicles is the P68031601AA fitted in?

First, a note on assignment: a part number determines the type of unit. The P68031601AA is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018).

The following overview lists the vehicles that belong to this part number.

• Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This shows you that it is the correct unit; the comparison says nothing more. In addition, have the fault memory read out before removal, because it shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 68398609AB, P68003421AB.

How does the repair of the P68031601AA work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Afterwards create the repair order online and send the well-packed unit in.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit is then returned to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

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 P68031601AA get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.