Airbag control unit with part number P68164086AB

What does the airbag control unit P68164086AB do?

The unit P68164086AB controls the restraint system (SRS) in vehicles from Dodge. It processes the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident, within milliseconds, on the deployment of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and it monitors the system continuously.

Continuous self-checking is one of its tasks. If the unit detects a fault, it stores it and shows it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. No further explanation is needed here.

Why does the control unit P68164086AB fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an earlier accident, even if no airbag was deployed. The data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

This data stays stored in the unit even if the vehicle continues to drive afterwards.

Electronic components age over time. Cold solder joints and moisture on plug connections cause contact faults that show up only intermittently.

Voltage spikes are another source. A weak battery or a jump-start can overload the control unit.

How can you tell that the P68164086AB is defective?

A defect shows up in the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up constantly or intermittently, and in an error message in the instrument cluster. In addition, the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared; then airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency.

The warning light is the clearest sign the system gives, and it deserves attention. It indicates a fault but does not name the affected component.

The fault memory reveals more than the light alone. Only a read-out shows which message is stored and whether the control unit or a cable is affected.

Which vehicles is the P68164086AB fitted in?

Which models belong to this part number is fixed. The control unit P68164086AB is fitted in these vehicles: Dodge Ram DS/DJ/D2 (2009-2018).

The vehicles at a glance:

• Dodge Ram DS/DJ/D2 (2009-2018)

Before you send the unit in, compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit and says nothing about the cause. For this reason, have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this record shows whether the control unit or a connector or cable is affected.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 0285015046, 56043128AC, 56043128AD, 68303217AA, 68303218AA, 68346712AA.

How does the repair of the P68164086AB work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create the repair order online, with which you send in the carefully packed unit. Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test before the repaired unit goes back to you.

The sequence is mandatory without exception for safety reasons.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. This refers only to the work carried out in-house.

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 P68164086AB get to Airbag24?

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

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel. Pack the control unit shockproof so that it arrives undamaged.