Airbag control unit with part number P68185857AB

What does the airbag control unit P68185857AB do?

The airbag control unit P68185857AB acts as the central unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Jeep. It processes the measured values from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in the event of an impact whether the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system permanently for faults. Detected faults are shown via the airbag warning light.

During driving, the sensors continuously report to the unit what is happening to the vehicle. If the evaluation matches an accident that requires deployment, the control unit takes over the activation of the affected airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

After a crash, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. This function is firmly built into the design of the system.

Why does the control unit P68185857AB fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this data. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The crash data interferes with operation, because the unit does not discard it by itself. Airbag24 erases this data during the repair, so that it no longer plays a role in further operation.

The other causes tend to develop gradually. Components change over the years, solder joints may have remained cold from manufacture, and moisture or corrosion attack plug connections. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or from starting with jump leads.

How can you tell that the P68185857AB is defective?

A defect shows up through the airbag warning light, which lights up permanently or intermittently, through an error message in the instrument cluster, and through a diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection to the control unit. A fault memory that cannot be cleared is also a sign.

Typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light lights up permanently or flickers intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool receives no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy in the event of such a defect. The warning light should therefore be taken seriously, even if the vehicle otherwise runs normally.

Which vehicles is the P68185857AB fitted in?

The details serve for assignment and are a guide. The control unit P68185857AB is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018).

This concerns the following models that are listed for this number:

• Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018)

Before sending it in, there are two important steps. First: compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this ensures that it is the right unit. Second: have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or a 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 P68185857AB work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit P68185857AB. After that, create a repair order online and send in the unit well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. The team then erases stored crash data and carries out a function test before your own unit is returned.

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 P68185857AB get to Airbag24?

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

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